Leaping into March – February 2024
February 29, 2024
Dear Chemistry Advocates, Happy Leap Day and welcome to the latest from Team Chemistry! In this edition, we delve into critical issues facing the chemical industry and our nation’s security, spotlighting the urgent need to restore vital programs like the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). We’ll also explore efforts to navigate regulatory landscapes impacting innovation and economic growth, along with celebrating the impactful connections fostered through initiatives like FOSSI’s recent visit to North Carolina A&T State University. Additionally, we’ll take a closer look at how proposed legislation, such as SB 81 in Colorado, could shape the future of our industry. Let’s dive in to stay informed, engaged, and ready to take action! |
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Earlier this month, American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO Chris Jahn sent a letter to President Biden requesting he create an Interagency Policy Committee (IPC). Led by the Director of the White House National Economic Council, the intent of the IPC is to coordinate an economic impact analysis of regulations on the chemical industry and the broader economy. The IPC would require all cabinet departments to evaluate the regulatory proposals by other federal agencies specifically to identify their impact on the ability and speed of administering the programs of those federal departments, especially the new responsibilities associated with implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. The letter to President Biden points to the results of a survey ACC recently conducted of its members concerning the regulatory environment: More than three quarters of respondents said that their regulatory burden has risen over the past year, and they expect it to increase even more. Sixty-seven percent of respondents reported that the current regulatory environment threatens their investment in the clean energy sector. Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported that the current regulatory environment threatens their investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Nearly half of respondents said the current regulatory environment threatens their investment in the healthcare sector. In summary… Read the full statement here. |
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT:  FOSSI’s Visit to North Carolina A&T State University Sparks Life-Changing Connections On January 24, FOSSI visited the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C.—home to 75 FOSSI scholars! Excitement and energy filled the Deese Ballroom as scholars, over 40 members of 18 FOSSI sponsor companies, and a distinguished group of A&T faculty and administrators came together to meet and network. Our sincere thanks to our 75 outstanding FOSSI scholars and to our generous FOSSI sponsors from ACC, ACD, Arkema, BASF, Bayer, Braskem, Chemours, Chevron, Covestro, Eastman, Evonik, Fluor, Hexion, YB, Solvay, Stepan, Synthomer, and Univar for joining us, and to North Carolina A&T State University for the warm welcome and for preparing our scholars for such a bright future.  Take Action to Protect Colorado Innovation! The beautiful state of Colorado stands at the crossroads of innovation and responsibility. SB 81 poses a serious risk to our way of life. It’s an extreme measure that lacks scientific foundation and disregards common sense. This bill could lead to sweeping consequences affecting thousands of products that Colorado families and businesses rely on – like solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, life-saving medical devices, and semiconductors. A sweeping, one-size-fits-all approach to regulations, like SB 81, is NOT practical. If this bill is enacted it could: – Threaten innovation – Impact the economy by banning essential products that families and businesses use – Overlook diversity by imposing a blanket ban disregarding the fact that each chemical component has unique properties Together we can strike the right balance, protecting both our environment and our vibrant Colorado way of life! Contact your lawmakers today and tell them to oppose SB 81. Take Action Read more about it here.   Learn More About Restoring a National Chemical Security Program Vital to Combating Terrorism Our country lost valuable tools to fight terrorism and secure chemical facilities when Congress allowed the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) to expire last July. The chemical industry manufactures products that are vital to the everyday health and well-being of our nation, which is why Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2006 to create CFATS to help protect the chemical sector. After delivering solid results for almost two decades Congress failed to pass legislation to reauthorize CFATS. In addition to the support of large and small businesses, emergency responders and labor have sent letters urging Congress to restore the program. “Congress has propped open the door for our adversaries by letting CFATS expire. When it comes to national security companies should not be forced to go it alone,” Jahn concluded. “The House and Senate must do their jobs and restore CFATS.” Connect with Chemistry Weekly Chemistry and Economic Trends (February 16, 2024) Advancing Rail Safety Requires a Team Effort ACC to President Biden: Create Interagency Policy Committee or Risk Offshoring U.S. Chemical Manufacturing Statement on EPA’s PM 2.5 NAAQS Rule SB 24-081 Would Create Major Problems for Colorado ACC Issues Principles to Support Growth of Bio-based Plastics Innovation in U.S. Chemical Production Closed the Year on an Upswing, both Globally and in the U.S. ACC Applauds Congressional Efforts to Promote Sound Science and Advance American Innovation |