American Chemistry Council (ACC)
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is an industry trade association representing approximately 200 American chemical manufacturers. Established in 1872 as the Manufacturing Chemists Association, it has undergone several name changes, with its current title adopted in June 2000. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., since 2010, the ACC plays a crucial role in promoting responsible and sustainable use of natural resources in chemical manufacturing. The organization emphasizes health, safety, security, and environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Responsible Care® program, which has led to significant reductions in harmful emissions and improved safety standards in the industry.
The ACC advocates for the interests of its members in areas such as energy production, lobbying for lower natural gas prices crucial for manufacturing various essential products. It also represents sectors like plastics and chlorine production, highlighting their contributions to enhancing quality of life. The ACC engages with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to share data on chemical manufacturing hazards and has committed to addressing climate change as part of its strategic priorities. Its recent Long-Range Research Initiative outlines goals for increased transparency and innovation in chemical safety, fostering a more informed public discourse on the industry’s impact and responsibilities.
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American Chemistry Council (ACC)
- DATE: Established 1872
The American Chemistry Council plays a vital role in ensuring that necessary natural resources are used responsibly and economically in the production of useful chemicals and that manufactured chemical products are safe for humans, wildlife, and the environment and pose no threat to national security.
Background
The Manufacturing Chemists Association was formed in 1872 to represent the interests of the chemical industries to state and federal governments. The name was changed to the Chemical Manufacturers Association. The name American Chemistry Council (ACC) was adopted at the membership meeting held in June 2000.
The ACC is an industry trade association that represents approximately two hundred American chemical manufacturers. Members apply the science of chemistry to produce innovative products and services that help make human lives better, healthier, and safer. ACC moved its headquarters from Rosslyn, Virginia, to Washington, DC, in 2010.
Impact on Resource Use
The ACC establishes and implements goals and guidelines on health, safety, security, and environmental issues that are related to the use of global resources by chemical companies before, during, and after the manufacturing of chemical products. In 1988, the ACC adopted the Responsible Care® program to reduce harmful chemical emissions and increase safety. Since then, emissions have been reduced by 78 percent and safety has become five times better than the average for the manufacturing industry in the United States. The Responsible Care® initiative was adopted globally and practiced in many countries with the commitment to increase the safety and secure management of chemical processes and products. Implementation is managed at the global level by the International Council of Chemical Associations. Practices vary from country to country, as dictated by the laws and national industry association of each country.
In 2002, the American Plastics Council merged with the ACC. The plastics division of the ACC represents plastic resin manufacturers, which produce versatile plastic products that seek to make life better, healthier, and safer. Innovative uses of plastics contribute to a more efficient use of global resources. In addition to the plastics industries, the ACC represents the producers and distributors of chlorine.
As part of the and change debate, the ACC is a strong proponent for the development of alternative energy sources and greater energy production in the United States. Because chemical manufacturers rely heavily on as an affordable supply of energy to produce chemical products necessary in making medicines, packaging, computers, cell phones, automobile parts, antifreeze, and health and personal care products, the ACC lobbies for reduced natural gas prices and increased natural gas exploration.
In 2005, the ACC launched its “essential2” campaign to improve its public image and reputation by promoting the chemical industry as a vital part of the economy and growth of the United States. It has worked with the US Environmental Protection Agency to make available data related to the hazards associated with manufacturing high-production-volume chemicals.
By 2020, the organization had announced its commitment to combat climate change. It considered the chemical industry, including oil and gas producers, as being a critical component in finding solutions for climate change. The ACC released its Long-Range Research Initiative in February 2024, a document listing the organization's priorities from 2024 to 2027. Among its goals were to accelerate exposure data for chemical products to ensure that hazards have been addressed; accelerate the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) conerning the respiratory tract to accurately predict the risk of chemical products without the use of lab animals; and make its research more accessible to the public.
Bibliography
Borst, Ellie and Robin Bravender. "Biden Regs Spark Lobbying Burst by Chemical Industry." E & E News, Politico, 22 May 2024, www.eenews.net/articles/chemicals-group-kicks-off-blockbuster-lobbying-year/. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/research/long-range-research-initiative-LRI/resources/acc-LRI-research-strategy-2024-2027. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Moore, Marsha Gilchrist. "Chemical Production Steady Amid Weak Recovery in Key End-Use Markets." American Chemical Council, 11 Dec. 2024, https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/news-trends/blog-post/2024/chemical-production-steady-amid-weak-recovery-in-key-end-use-markets. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.