Industry Issues
Climate Change
Given that the products of American Chemistry are the fundamental building blocks of green technologies and energy efficiency, and given that we use natural gas to make these products, effective climate change legislation must include a robust energy policy that includes increased supply, efficiency and conservation, and fuel diversity that will bolster our domestic manufacturing sector.
- While Cap and Trade looks good to lawmakers in Berkeley and Boston, we know it will hurt our ability to compete in the global market.
- Congress needs to focus on revitalizing jobs, not taxing everyone who uses energy.
- The current proposal heavily favors areas with wind and solar power, and hurts areas with hydro-electric, natural gas and nuclear power.
Security
The chemistry industry has led the way in safety and security, investing more than $6.5 billion in new enhancements since September 11, 2001. The industry was the first sector to create viable voluntary security program - the Responsible Care Security Code (RCSC) -- and maintains the highest safety record of any industry. Chemistry manufacturing is five times safe than other manufacturing.
- The security of our plants is critical to American Safety.
- Our industry is a leader in pre-emptive action and a strong advocate for federal security regulations.
- It is crucial that Congress take important step to reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards. (CFATS)
Rail
Mass consolidation in the freight rail sector and anti-competitive regulatory decisions have resulted in the nation's Class 1 railroads operating as virtual monopolies. As a consequence, rail customers have little leverage in securing competitive rates or commitments on level of service.
- The chemical industry relies on railroads to provide reliable and competitive service to deliver their products.
- Federal rail policy is outdated and broken, and they fail to promote access to competitive rail service. The government protections railroads receive give them monopoly-like power.
- The Surface Transportation Board (STB) created by Congress, has failed to resolve disputes between customers and railroads.
- Congress must act to remove the artificial protections, a healthy, first-rate rail system is crucial to the manufacturing sector of our economy.