The American Chemical Society supports new sustainable chemistry legislation

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2018 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) endorses the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act as introduced by Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Chris Coons, D-DE. This legislation, which would coordinate U.S. research and development efforts, is critical to the future of the chemical sciences.

The act would create a government-wide coordinating body to help guide agency investment in sustainable chemistry research, as well as a new public-private partnership program. It will also authorize a broad review of existing chemistry programs to give Congress a better understanding of the government’s role in sustainable chemistry.

“This legislation is essential to improving the federal role in sustainability of chemistry and the chemical enterprise,” notes Glenn S. Ruskin, senior director, ACS External Affairs & Communications. “Supporting fundamental science, improving coordination and creating public-private partnerships will better leverage the government’s support for sustainable and green chemistry to enhance the work being done at the academic and industrial levels.”

The importance of sustainability is outlined in the ACS public policy statement ACS Sustainability and the Chemical Enterprise. According to that statement, ACS “recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and that modern civilization depends on it. Environmental considerations and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. We believe the chemistry enterprise must continue to provide leadership in forging the science and technology that will provide humanity with a sustainable path into the future.”

The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.