American Chemical Society releases 2022 public policy agenda

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2022 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) looks forward to continued collaboration between the 117^th Congress and the Biden administration as the U.S. seeks economic growth, innovative solutions to global challenges, and equitable access to education and workforce opportunities in 2022.

ACS has long supported policies central to sustainability, equity and innovation in the chemistry enterprise. While progress has been made over the past year on several priorities, ACS continues to advocate for robust funding of scientific research; investments in historically underrepresented groups, sustainable chemistry and climate change mitigation; and pursuit of domestic and global policies guided by peer-reviewed science and supported by international scientific exchange. A prompt, bipartisan appropriations process, guided by stakeholder communities, ensures critical programs serve the American public where investments are most needed.

Research Funding
ACS urges a timely completion of the regular appropriations process. Sustained, predictable funding is key to supporting the research enterprise in the U.S. Relying on continuing resolutions to support federal agencies disrupts planned research and injects uncertainty into future research.

As Congress considers legislation related to strengthening the U.S.’s innovation pipeline, ACS requests that Congress ensure appropriations levels match the goals outlined in any package that becomes law. Unfunded mandates for new research initiatives must be avoided, and existing funding must be protected.

Related ACS statements: Science and Technology in the Budget, U.S. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Equitable Access to STEM Education and Workforce Training
ACS continues to support investments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teacher training and retention programs; the promotion of high-quality, hands-on science experiences; the guarantee of safe and modernized learning environments, particularly in rural and underserved communities; and increased efforts to bolster current and future generations of students from underprivileged and underserved communities to ensure a diverse and inclusive STEM ecosystem. ACS hopes to see bipartisan legislation like the Rural STEM Education Act, the MSI STEM Achievement Act and the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act signed into law, priorities that have been supported by the scientific community and signify steps towards greater equity in STEM.

Related ACS statements: Science Education Policy

Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation
ACS strongly urges Congress and the Biden administration to take bold action to address the climate crisis. A plethora of evidence points toward rising global temperatures and broad negative effects for humanity and the environment. Reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are necessary if we are to mitigate current and future impacts. As part of a comprehensive plan, ACS encourages increased spending on climate science and research, domestic reductions in GHG emissions and focused spending on adaptation. 

ACS believes improving the sustainability of the chemistry enterprise should be a fundamental goal of policymakers. Building on the passage of the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act, it is time for Congress and federal agencies to embrace green and sustainable chemistry as a priority in programming and funding. ACS continues to advocate for the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy Office of Science and National Institute of Standards and Technology to implement dedicated programs to support green and sustainable chemistry.

Related ACS statements: Global Climate Change, Energy Policy, Sustainability and the Chemistry Enterprise

Scientific Integrity and Global Scientific Exchange
ACS supports efforts to codify scientific integrity policies across the federal government. The process of using data and scientific information in policymaking should remain consistent across administrations.

ACS supports the ability of scientists to operate without barriers, impediments or restrictions to travel in the pursuit of scientific collaboration and meaningful discourse. ACS was encouraged to see recent actions by the Biden administration to protect scientific education and exchange, and to welcome foreign scholars, students, scientists and engineers to ensure a robust scientific enterprise and U.S. economy.

Related ACS statements: Scientific Integrity in Public Policy, Freedom of International Scientific Exchange, Visas for Scientific Collaboration and Academic Study, Workforce Related Immigration

For more information on ACS public policy priorities and advocacy, visit www.acs.org/advocacy