WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today reintroduced the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.).
This bipartisan, bicameral bill encourages the development of new and innovative chemicals, products and processes with an improved environmental footprint through efficient use of resources, reducing or eliminating exposure to hazardous substances, or otherwise minimizing harm to human health and the environment.
“Encouraging innovation, creating new jobs, and improving human health and the environment is something that should bring us all together,” said Senator Coons. “We can do more to ensure the things we use every day—from our laundry detergent to our cars—are produced in a way that maintains their high quality while protecting our health and our planet. The bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act will create a cohesive vision for sustainable chemistry research and development, improve training and retraining of scientists and other professionals, and build new partnerships with the private sector. This is an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of our chemical enterprise for years to come.”
“Sustainable chemistry aims to improve the efficiency of the chemical production process while reducing risks to human health and the environment,” said Senator Collins. “Our legislation would establish a coordinated national effort to promote this promising field of research; provide grants, training, and educational opportunities for scientists and engineers; and support American jobs by maintaining our nation’s scientific leadership.”
“We must continue to invest in sustainable research and development to unleash the next generation of scientific breakthroughs,” Klobuchar said. “This bipartisan bill will encourage innovation in approaches to chemistry research, development, and training - helping to increase partnerships and economic benefits across the field.”
“The American chemical industry was born in West Virginia and remains a key economic driver and job creator in our state,” Senator Capito said. “Industry stakeholders and researchers at our universities are making great strides in creating products and processes that are more environmentally sustainable. The bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act will direct federal research agencies to act as partners with industry and institutions of higher education in advancing these goals that are so vital for our economy, environment, and public health – all at no additional cost to taxpayers.”
“This legislation strengthens cooperation between the federal government, the private sector, and the scientific community to further research and development in chemistry,” said Congressman Moolenaar. “It will keep our country at the forefront of innovation and help create new products that will benefit all Americans.”
“I’m proud to lead the Sustainable Chemistry Act of 2019 in the House, along with my colleague, Representative Moolenaar,” said Congressman Lipinski. “Chemistry is the foundation of countless industries, including agricultural pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, and textiles. As global demand increases for products that are safer and sourced in a more environmentally-friendly way, significant coordination and research is needed to support these industries as they transition to alternative chemicals. This bill will direct coordination at the federal level to encourage research and practices that incorporate sustainable chemistry, including technology transfer programs. These efforts can lead to economic growth while also improving environmental quality.”
The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 supports efforts in sustainable chemistry across all federal research agencies through research and development programs, technology transfer, commercialization, education, and training; including partnerships with the private sector. The bill aims to better coordinate federal activities in sustainable chemistry and encourage industry, academia, nonprofits, and the general public to innovate, develop, and bring to market new sustainable chemicals, materials, products, and processes.
A one-pager is available here.
The legislation has been endorsed by the GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, the American Chemical Society, the American Chemistry Council, the American Sustainable Business Council, Ashland, BASF, Beautycounter, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, Dow, DuPont, Environmental Working Group, The LEGO Group, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Delaware. Statements of support can be found here.
