WASHINGTON (July 28, 2021) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement from its President and CEO Chris Jahn regarding the bipartisan infrastructure agreement announced this afternoon.
“While we agree on the importance of modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and welcome bipartisan efforts toward getting legislation across the finish line, we’re dismayed that Senate lawmakers and the Biden Administration have seen fit to include taxes on materials that serve as building blocks for U.S. manufacturing. The proposed reinstatement of outdated Superfund Taxes—new excise taxes on 42 chemicals and other materials—will increase the cost of a variety of consumer goods, including many of the very materials needed for infrastructure development and climate improvement.
“A modern and resilient infrastructure system that benefits all Americans depends on the innovative products of chemistry. Affected goods include electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, advanced coatings, energy efficiency materials, and water delivery and purification. This when businesses and consumers are already challenged by supply disruptions and inflation. Americans agree: A nationally representative survey of registered voters by Echelon Insights found that 84% are concerned about rising prices and 75% are concerned about manufacturing job losses.
“American chemistry creates many of the materials and technologies necessary to modernize infrastructure and create climate solutions. We strongly oppose proposals that single out an industry that has been a driver of U.S. investment and jobs over the past decade and serves as the first link in America’s manufacturing supply chain. We look forward to engaging with members of Congress and the administration to discuss ways to forestall this misguided and far-reaching action and to promote American manufacturing instead of damaging it.”
