Homeland unsecured, still. BNA's Daily Report for Executives is reporting that 20% of what DHS considers to be the 3,400 chemical plants that pose the greatest risk to people in the event of a terrorist attack are not participating in any voluntary programs for security improvement, according to testimony by DHS itself at a recent Senate committee meeting. And that's just what DHS considers to be the highest risk facilities... EPA, by contrast, counts 15,000 plants that pose significant risks to their surrounding communities. Although DHS concedes that it needs more authority to regulate the industry, apparently DHS is seeking only authority to do risk-based regulation. The basic gist is that DHS would be empowered to order improvements only for those facilities that pose the greatest risk. Be wary of risk-based limitations on rulemaking or enforcement authority. Watch the archived webcast of the hearing, or read a statement from OMB Watch's information and access team.