EPA is continuing to use the Agency’s existing authority to improve the way chemicals are regulated under TSCA. EPA’s latest approach to conducting targeted risk assessments on priority work plan chemicals has landed the Agency on virtually solid ground, although EPA’s methodology still needs some fine tuning to ensure it can produce high quality, scientifically […]
Archive: March, 2013
EPA report marks significant gains in vehicle efficiency, propelled by chemistry
The automotive industry has seen significant improvements in vehicle efficiency in recent years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual report. Fuel economy values increased by 16 percent while carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions decreased by 13 percent between 2007 and 2012. There was an estimated increase of 1.4 miles per gallon for cars and […]
Retrofitting buildings in the “City of Brotherly Love” for greater energy efficiency
As a city planner and a real estate investor, Philadelphia founder William Penn would appreciate the energy efficiency efforts currently underway in the nation’s fifth-most populated city. With the help of Pennsylvania State University and other organizations, the Philadelphia Navy Yard is being transformed into a center for advanced research and an example of energy-efficient […]
NAFRA companies look forward to working with EPA on flame retardant assessments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release this week saying it would begin assessments on 23 commonly used chemicals, including some flame retardants, in order to fully understand their health and environmental effects. The North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) is encouraged that EPA has undertaken an initial screening of a number […]
Marcellus to Manufacturing: Ethane fueling chemical industry in West Virginia
During a 2011 visit to the Mountain State, American Chemistry Council President and CEO Cal Dooley predicted “a golden age in chemical manufacturing in the United States,” with West Virginia sharing the bounty from affordable and abundant supplies of Marcellus shale gas. In an interview with the Charleston Daily Mail, Dooley reiterated his upbeat forecast: […]
California Bureau hears public comments on proposal to reduce fire safety
The California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (the Bureau) is holding a hearing today to accept final public comments on a draft regulation that would eliminate the state’s open flame test for upholstered furniture. The hearing comes at a time when, according to the National […]
3 reasons U.S. chemical manufacturers would welcome Japan to TPP negotiations
“This is our last chance. If we don’t seize it, Japan will be left out,” declared Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Able in a televised address last Friday, calling for his country’s support in joining the U.S. and 10 other parties in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. The American Chemistry Council is among several business groups […]
Recycling of rigid plastics achieves major milestone
Here’s a Hint: There’s a Good Chance You Can Recycle them in Your Area This week, there’s much good news to report on the recycling of rigid plastics, a category that includes cups, tubs and containers as well as larger items like toys and laundry baskets. According to new data, recycling of rigid plastics (excluding […]
From England, thumbs up for an American energy revolution
The Economist, Great Britain’s globally-respected analyst of political and economic trends, has given a sterling endorsement of the benefits of natural gas for the U.S economy, especially the chemical industry. The story’s bottom line: “Gas is the new gold,” and the shale gas and oil bonanza is transforming America’s energy outlook and boosting our country’s […]
Dow chemistry makes Habitat for Humanity homes more energy efficient
ACC member Dow Chemical has helped Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes for low-income families since 1983 — and Dow does it in large part through top-notch chemistry that helps the homes become more energy efficient. Utility bills are typically the second-largest monthly expense for homeowners, after mortgage payments. Lower energy consumption means lower costs […]
- On the road with #ACCaugust - 2015
- Chemicals in food: Top chemical food myths debunked…naturally! [video]
- Nanotechnology could be the next big thing in medical care
- Fueling Export Growth (Part 2 of 2): Why the expected surge in U.S. chemicals exports will depend on our country’s ability to deliver on its ambitious trade agenda
- Fueling Export Growth (Part 1 of 2): U.S. chemical exports linked to natural gas could double by 2030; plastics products leading the surge
