ACS Endorses the CHIPS and Science Act

July 27, 2022

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leaders McConnell, McCarthy, and Schumer:

On behalf of the over 150,000 members of the American Chemical Society, I would like to express ACS’s strong support for the “CHIPS and Science” Act. Numerous ACS-endorsed provisions included in the Act will allow the scientific enterprise in the United States to rejuvenate its preeminence and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the research areas vital to national success in this century. This legislation represents an important step forward in boosting research, development, and demonstration. In particular, the Society would like to thank Congress for including the following provisions.

Safe, Secure, and Equitable Research Environments

Ensuring an inclusive and safe research enterprise requires investment in communities that have not historically benefited from support, resources, and opportunities to engage in STEM fields. The following provisions will help to better understand and address issues of access and barriers to a thriving STEM ecosystem.  By bringing more diverse voices to the scientific enterprise, we boost and multiply our research investments.

• Title V, Subtitle A-D
  • STEM Opportunities
  • Rural STEM Education Research
  • MSI STEM Achievement
  • Combating Sexual Harassment in Science

Sustainable Chemistry Research

Provisions in the following titles supporting the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act, ensuring that the next generation of chemical innovations consider the full life cycle impact across the environment and public health. Sustainable chemistry is a forward-looking approach to the chemical enterprise, marrying innovation with reduced toxicity, a cleaner environment, and lower costs.

• Title I, Department of Energy Science for the Future
• Title II, NIST for the Future
• Title III, NSF for the Future

Helium Conservation

Helium is a vital resource for the research enterprise that has proven vulnerable to supply chain disruption. Language in the following titles would support helium conservation programs at the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, insulating researchers against shocks to helium distribution.

• Title I, Department of Energy Science for the Future
• Title III, NSF for the Future

Additionally, ACS is grateful for the overarching vision and long-term support embodied in the DOE Science for the Future, NIST for the Future, and NSF for the Future titles. We appreciate the thoughtful approach policy makers took in crafting this legislation.  It is our belief that if we are to see sustained, achievable growth in federal innovation, there must continue to be bipartisan support for the federal research ecosystem. If the ACS can provide further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at a_pitagno@acs.org.

Sincerely

Anthony Pitagno
Senior Director, Government Affairs
American Chemical Society

CC:
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
The Honorable Roger Wicker
The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
The Honorable Frank Lucas