Recent media stories have claimed a link between formaldehyde exposure and leukemia. The truth is more than 30 peer-reviewed studies since 2010 show that formaldehyde does not cause leukemia. These irresponsible and unbalanced news reports are simply another example of a widely criticized program within EPA putting politics ahead of science. The stories base this […]
A new report from the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s (CEI) Angela Logomasini titled “EPA Transparency Rule Will Bolster Science and Improve Rulemaking” offers important perspective and critical facts about EPA’s proposed Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science rule. This important report comes at a critical point in EPA’s rulemaking process as it just held a public comment […]
Utilization of transparent, objective and modern scientific approaches to draw conclusions regarding human health risk is critical to developing sound regulatory decisions. Throughout the EPA, the application of scientific information to underpin regulatory activities has often been inconsistent and unclear; leading to concerns regarding how the Agency incorporates the best available science, how it evaluates […]
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)’s International Symposium on Energy Efficiency (#ISEE18) in Washington last month provided a prime opportunity to explore how energy efficiency can contribute to a sustainable future. Leaders from business, government and academia shared best practices in “doing more with less.” Chemistry has an essential role. For over a […]
At the AIA Conference on Architecture this week, architects, designers and firms are gathering in New York City to share their perspectives, and learn from others, about how to “build a blueprint for better cities” – with a focus on health, resilience and sustainability. AIA states that “community sustainability goals are fulfilled in large part […]
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Biocides Panel announced its new name today, the Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), at the Twelfth Antimicrobial Workshop in Arlington, Virginia. The CBC, under its former name, was established in 1986 and represents more than 50 companies that manufacture active biocide ingredients and/or formulate biocide products. Biocides, also known as […]
Through the science of chemistry, earth’s basic building blocks – like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – are transformed into materials that have helped revolutionize society. Innovations in chemistry are helping to improve lives and protect the environment in a number of ways – by enabling clean drinking water, a safe and adequate food supply, medical […]
There was lot of excitement in the farming community with the long-awaited EPA approval of a low volatility dicamba formulation (Xtendimax®) in November 2016 and subsequent launch of three low volatility dicamba products for use over the top of dicamba-tolerant crops in 2017. These products are excellent at controlling palmer amaranth in soybean and cotton […]
You may have seen a recent conspiracy theory the Union of Concern Scientists (UCS) has been peddling in the media and on the Hill about a Jan. 31 meeting between EPA and ACC staff. Their theory goes that ACC has been bending the ear of EPA in secret to prevent a government report on a […]
Many critics of EPA’s proposed rule on “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” would have people believe that protecting individual privacy and increased public access to research data are mutually exclusive, which is false. EPA should always strive to base its regulations on the best available science—science that is reliable and unbiased—and make the underlying research […]
It’s ambitious, yet achievable—realistic—a true “stretch goal.” This week ACC’s Plastics Division announced three new goals to guide and accelerate the capture, recycling and recovery of plastics packaging. Although we and our members have supported a variety of programs to increase plastics recycling, we want to be clear about our where we’re heading, and we […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) focus this week is on its National Safety Stand-Down, taking place from May 7-11. National Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event to encourage companies to talk about safety with their employees, especially about fall hazards and fall prevention. As you’ve read here before, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry […]
A team of top U.S. economic advisors is in Beijing to meet with Chinese officials about China’s discriminatory intellectual property and forced technology transfer practices. Looming over these discussions is a possible trade war between the U.S. and China over proposed actions resulting from USTR’s Section 301 investigation of China’s practices. With $5 billion in […]
At ACC we’re still doing a deep dive in our review of EPA’s recently proposed rule: Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science. We look forward to submitting comments to help the agency ensure the final rule increases transparency and public confidence in the agency’s regulations while protecting personal privacy, confidential business information, proprietary interest and intellectual […]
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) Formaldehyde Panel (the Panel) believes increasing transparency and public confidence in government regulations, while protecting personal privacy, confidential business information, proprietary interest and intellectual property rights, is of utmost importance. Although some have argued this opens the door for industry to go after important studies that underpin public health protections, […]
Across the globe businesses, communities and policy makers are pursuing strategies to more sustainability manage the products used by society. This includes thinking about product design, and designing systems to enhance the recyclability of products, and to develop more circular strategies for materials after they are used. Brands, investors and policymakers all need a strong […]
Antimicrobial products are critical to many industries and help in the protection of public health. Antimicrobials are highly regulated, making it critical for companies to stay abreast of the ever-changing regulatory landscape in which they operate. Those engaged in the business of antimicrobials will not want to miss the Twelfth Antimicrobial Workshop held June 7-8 […]
This Earth Day will bring a variety of enthusiastic calls for cleaner oceans. Plastics makers share and welcome that enthusiasm, because no one wants oceans full of plastics. And to effectively turn awareness into meaningful results, it’s worth being clear about how plastics are getting where they shouldn’t be. Where do ocean plastics come from? […]
This week, a grocery store in Amsterdam made headlines for being the first to offer an aisle without plastic packaging. If the thinking behind this offering is “less plastic is better in the grocery store”—then we need to ask: In what way is this really a good thing? And we need to be clear about […]
Governments. Businesses. NGOs. Everyday citizens. Today, many of us are taking important steps to help reduce waste and protect our environment. I think we can all agree that’s a very good thing. But earlier this week, the Editorial Board at the LA Times called for California to phase out all “single-use” plastics. This was a […]