WASHINGTON – The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate today includes the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019, led by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.). The bill will support American manufacturing and American jobs while also protecting human health and the environment by helping to realize the full innovation and market potential of sustainable chemistry technologies.

“The chemical sector is an integral part of Delaware’s economy and I am proud to lead this legislation that supports chemistry innovation, helps create new companies and jobs, and promotes sustainable use of resources,” said Senator Coons. “By creating a cohesive national vision for sustainable chemistry research and development, improving training of chemists and other professionals, and building new partnerships with the private sector, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act is an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of our chemical enterprise for years to come.” 

“The development of innovative and effective sustainability strategies requires coordinated approaches and strategic thinking across many sectors,” said Professor LaShanda Korley, director of the new Center for Plastics Innovation at the University of Delaware, which focuses on chemically transforming plastic waste into fuels and other valuable products. “This legislation highlights this global need and provides a framework for engaging all stakeholders. The advancement of research, education, training and commercialization of green chemistry can have important benefits to people and the environment worldwide.”

“The GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance congratulates Senators Susan Collins and Chris Coons and Representatives Dan Lipinski and John Moolenaar for their constructive bipartisan efforts in moving the Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act forward,” said Joel Tickner, Executive Director of the GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance. “We believe sustainable chemistry is central to American innovation in advanced manufacturing.  There is surging global demand for sustainable chemistry ingredients in consumer and commercial products and investors are increasingly rewarding companies that develop and source such products. The Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act will help position the US to capitalize on this burgeoning market demand, spurring innovation and job creation across a huge swath of the US economy. “

“The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act meets the dual challenges of economic growth and environmental protection, a core priority of the American Chemical Society, by boosting federal support for green and sustainable chemistry,” said Glenn Ruskin, Vice President of External Affairs and Communications for the American Chemical Society. “The legislation increases federal agency coordination, establishes public private partnerships, and supports new research. Over the long term, transforming the chemistry enterprise towards sustainability will help create economic opportunity and improve the lives of all Americans.”

“ACC applauds the inclusion of the Sustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act  championed by Senators Chris Coons and Susan Collins, in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the Senate,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “The men and women of the chemical industry are committed to working with experts in business, at universities and in government to develop new ways that chemistry can enable sustainability in our everyday lives. This legislation will play a key role in supporting and enabling technology, tools and partnerships to help advance the sustainable chemistry innovations ACC members are developing that help make people's lives better, healthier and safer.”

The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 is endorsed by the GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, the American Chemical Society, the American Chemistry Council, the American Sustainable Business Council, 3M, Ashland, BASF, Beautycounter, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Chemours, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Environmental Working Group, The LEGO Group, Nohbo LLC, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Delaware. 

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