The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and twelve trade associations are calling on Congressional Leadership to support resolutions that disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) HON final rule. The rule specifically targets over 200 chemical plants and could have significant implications for the manufacture of critical chemistries, including ethylene oxide. The ACC and its members express concerns that the EPA's rule overlooks costs, relies on flawed science and outdated emissions data, and could potentially hinder access to chemistries that are essential for national priorities such as healthcare, electric vehicles, and semiconductors [957e2e3f].
The ACC emphasizes the importance of science-based regulations that promote American competitiveness. They advocate for policies that support the people, policy, and products of chemistry, positioning the United States as a global leader in innovation and manufacturing [957e2e3f].
This effort aligns with the 'Essential Chemistry for America' initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which aims to protect fluorochemistries and address threats to their availability. The Chamber emphasizes the need for sound, science-based regulations and policies that strike a balance between environmental protection and continued access to innovative fluorochemistries [3a5f324b].
The ACC's call for Congressional support also echoes their previous concerns about regulatory proposals from federal agencies. They have urged President Biden to establish an Interagency Policy Committee (IPC) to conduct an economic impact analysis of regulations on the chemical industry and the broader economy [8d1b5d73].
The ACC's advocacy for science-based regulations and their efforts to protect the chemical industry's ability to produce necessary products and innovations align with the bipartisan introduction of the 'Regulatory Early Notice and Engagement Act.' The bill, introduced by Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Representative Don Davis (D-NC), and Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN), aims to improve the regulatory review process by requiring federal agencies to make public and send to Congress a regulatory early notice within one week after initiating a new rulemaking activity. The bill also calls for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to develop and maintain a database of regulatory early notices and report to Congress on agency compliance with the Act. The ACC believes that this bill can help restore order through more vigorous congressional oversight of federal agencies [7ff414f8].