About National association of sara title iii program officials
The National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials (NAST3PO) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of state and local government officials responsible for implementing the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Title III, also known as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The association was established in 1990 to provide a forum for sharing information, best practices, and resources related to emergency planning, hazardous materials management, chemical safety, and environmental protection.
NAST3PO's mission is to promote effective implementation of EPCRA Title III programs by providing education, training, technical assistance, advocacy, and networking opportunities to its members. The association serves as a liaison between its members and federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Response Team (NRT), Chemical Safety Board (CSB), among others.
The association's membership includes state emergency response commissions (SERCs), local emergency planning committees (LEPCs), fire departments, hazmat teams, public health agencies, environmental organizations, industry representatives, academic institutions among others. NAST3PO provides various services to its members including training workshops on topics such as risk assessment methodologies; chemical inventory reporting; emergency response planning; incident command system; hazardous waste management; community outreach strategies among others.
In addition to providing training opportunities for its members NAST3PO also advocates on behalf of EPCRA Title III programs at both state and federal levels. The association works with policymakers to ensure that regulations are practical yet protective of human health and the environment. NAST3PO has been instrumental in shaping policies related to chemical safety including advocating for increased funding for SERCs/LEPCs; supporting efforts to improve chemical facility safety and security; promoting the use of safer chemicals and technologies; among others.
NAST3PO also provides a platform for its members to share information, best practices, and resources related to EPCRA Title III programs. The association hosts an annual conference that brings together members from across the country to discuss emerging issues, trends, and challenges facing EPCRA Title III programs. The conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions, technical sessions, networking opportunities among others.
In conclusion, NAST3PO is a vital organization that plays a critical role in promoting chemical safety and environmental protection across the United States. The association's commitment to providing education, training, technical assistance as well as advocating on behalf of its members has helped improve emergency planning and response capabilities at both state and local levels. As such NAST3PO is an essential resource for anyone involved in EPCRA Title III programs or interested in chemical safety more broadly.