Sens. Collins, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote Innovation in Sustainable Chemistry

Press Release

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) reintroduced the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2018 today. This bipartisan 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.

"Sustainable chemistry is an important scientific field that aims to improve the efficiency of the chemical production process while reducing risks to human health and the environment," said Senator Collins. "This bipartisan bill would create a coordinated national effort to support research and development in the sustainable chemistry field; provide grants, training, and educational opportunities for scientists and engineers; and support American jobs by maintaining our nation's scientific leadership."

"Finding ways to encourage innovation, create new companies and jobs, and benefit human health and the environment is something that should bring us all together," said Senator Coons. "We can do much more to ensure the things all around us--from our laundry detergent to our cars--are produced in a way that maintains their high quality while protecting our health and our planet. By creating a cohesive vision for sustainable chemistry research and development, improving training and retraining of scientists and other professionals, and building new partnerships with the private sector; the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act is an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of our chemical enterprise for years to come."

The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2018 supports coordinated efforts in sustainable chemistry across all research agencies through research and development, technology transfer, commercialization, education, and training programs; including partnerships with the private sector. The bill does not include any regulatory components, nor does it authorize new spending. Its goal, rather, is 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.

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; Chemours; The Dow Chemical Company; DuPont; Procter & Gamble; and the University of Delaware.

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