WASHINGTON (April 3, 2019) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today announced its support for bicameral, bipartisan legislation to promote research and investments in sustainable chemistry.
The “Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019,” today was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) alongside companion legislation in the House by Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) and John Moolenaar (R-Mich.). This important legislation will establish an interagency sustainable chemistry workgroup to promote and coordinate federal sustainable chemistry research, development, education and training activities. The interagency group will consult and coordinate with key sustainability stakeholders, including the business and scientific communities.
“ACC welcomes bipartisan and bicameral action on this significant legislation,” said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. “The men and women of the chemical industry are committed to working with experts in other business sectors, at universities and in government to develop new ways that chemistry can enable sustainability in our everyday lives. The business of chemistry plays a critical role in the American economy, and innovations in chemistry products, processes and technologies continuously enhance these contributions.”
The federal interagency workgroup established through the bills would be required to identify key attributes of sustainable chemistry, assess the state of sustainable chemistry in the United States, and develop and implement a strategy to advance sustainable chemistry products and processes. Further, the workgroup would evaluate the potential for federal development or recognition of standardized tools for assessing sustainable chemistry. Importantly, the legislation does not include any regulatory components, nor does it authorize any spending.
“ACC looks forward to continuing to engage with the stakeholder community and federal agencies to ensure that frameworks that assess the sustainability of chemical products and processes incorporate science-based, lifecycle approaches,” noted ACC’s Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Michael Walls.
Last year, ACC unveiled a set of industry-wide Sustainability Principles that articulate the chemical industry’s commitments to sustainability, including advancing safe, innovative, effective chemical products, materials and technologies that help address climate change, hunger, clean water, energy needs and global standards of living.
Additionally, the principles outline industry’s commitment to:
- Develop new ways to measure and promote the safe and sustainable use of chemicals and promote innovations in product design, product re-use, repurposing and recycling to extend the useful life and value of all products.
- Elevate the quality of life for people around the world through technologies that improve health and wellness, enable food security, increase access to clean water and provide comfortable shelter.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacture and use of our products and protect our environment by supporting efforts to reduce and manage waste so oceans and water sources are not polluted with mishandled plastic or other materials.
- Go beyond regulatory requirements to manage, measure and report industry-wide environmental, health and safety and security performance through Responsible Care®.
Find more information on ACC’s sustainability commitment at www.ScienceBehindSustainability.org.