West Virginia's Success Relies on American Chemistry

Chemistry Creates, America Competes.

From supply chain, climate, and sustainability challenges to energy efficiency, power delivery, national security, and infrastructure needs, our nation depends on the products and innovations made by America’s chemical industry. 

Chemistry enables electric vehicle production, semiconductors, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and effective, modern healthcare technologies. It is the driving force behind everyday products like smartphones and computers.

According to a Morning Consult poll conducted on behalf of ACC, 79% of West Virginians, including 63% of Democrats, are concerned about the potential impact of increased restrictions on the U.S. chemical sector on local economies who depend on it for jobs and economic activity.

West Virginians are right to be concerned since chemistry provides over 6,500 direct jobs and over 7,500 related jobs.

Chemistry Creates America Competes Worker Speaking on Radio

Overregulation Weakens West Virginia's Economy

74%

Of West Virginia adults (74%) are concerned that imposing additional restrictions on the chemical sector could reduce domestic production of renewable energy and result in fewer American jobs.

A surge in new restrictions and lack of coordination between the Biden Administration and its agencies is handicapping the chemical industry’s ability to create products that West Virginia relies on.

New proposed restrictions could limit access to and increase the cost of essential products, harming the U.S. economy, jeopardizing American competitiveness in the global market, and delaying progress for industries and sectors with urgent and growing needs.  

This jeopardizes our competitiveness in sectors like renewable energy where the Administration has made it a priority to develop cleaner energy systems and energy-efficient technologies. West Virginia is becoming a hub for renewable energy, with increasing investments in wind, solar, and renewable battery production projects. Smart, science-based regulations are needed to support manufacturers’ ability to operate and innovate to support renewable energy priorities.

Chemistry Creates America Competes Fleet of Electric Vehicles Charging

West Virginia Priorities at Risk

We support responsible regulation that puts science first, promotes innovation and supports supply chain resiliency. 

There are currently 13 proposed new restrictions with the potential to directly impact the chemical industry. Some aim to outright ban certain chemistries. Others may regulate chemistries to levels where manufacturing becomes unviable or impossible.

The growing disconnect between the Administration’s priorities and proposed regulations by its agencies is creating an increasingly untenable situation for chemical manufacturers. For example, the Administration touts the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as a vehicle to meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to strengthen the nation’s energy security. West Virginia has been increasing its investments in renewable energy infrastructure and is expected to receive $46 million for EV infrastructure. In addition, the Department of Energy has reported $782 million in new battery supply chain investments for West Virginia. However, proposed restrictions from federal agencies like EPA on chemistries needed to manufacture components for EVs and renewable batteries could undercut this national priority and jeopardize domestic, clean energy jobs. 

If enacted, these restrictions have the potential for a detrimental impact on the supply chains for vital technologies, including clean energy solutions like EVs, semiconductors, and many modern healthcare applications. Decreased access and affordability of these essential products could be further consequences of imposing flawed restrictions.

Unless the Biden Administration and Congress take a different approach to how they create and apply regulations, West Virginians could experience unintended consequences of these policy and regulatory choices at home. When asked about high inflation causing financial strife in the same survey: 

81%

Of West Virginia adults agree now is not the time for new federal restrictions that could increase the cost of goods like vehicles, homes, consumer electronics, and household products.

68%

Of West Virginia Democrats agree now is not the time for new federal restrictions that could increase the cost of goods like vehicles, homes, consumer electronics, and household products.

Chemistry Creates America Competes U.S. Capitol Building

Get Involved

For chemical manufacturers, the situation must change. Together, we can address these flawed restrictions.  

Without appropriate oversight and the use of sound science to drive regulation, critical chemistries have the potential to suffer, along with the innovations and jobs that rely on them. 

We call on the Biden Administration, federal agencies, and Congress, to support frameworks that celebrate innovation and accelerate progress.

Tell Congress & President Biden to support policies that empower chemistry, promote American innovation and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.

Act now!

Resources

What West Virginians Believe About Regulatory Overreach on Chemical Sector - Fact Sheet

Chemistry Creates, America Competes.

American success relies on American chemistry.

Proposed restrictions on U.S. chemical manufacturers stifles American innovation, jobs, and competitiveness.

Learn how sound policies can keep American chemistry competitive.

Learn more