Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff wants Congress to pass legislation to tighten security at chemical plants, but says the bill should include performance standards and not overly specific requirements. He also suggests using private companies to monitor industry compliance.

Chertoff said in a March 21 speech that the legislation should focus on the greatest risks, dividing the industry into “tiers.” He also says the government should set security goals but not “micromanage the chemical industry.”

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Susan Collins (R-Maine), who introduced the bill, said the points Chertoff outlined are key elements of her proposed legislation.