American Chemical Society releases 2023 public policy agenda

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) looks forward to working with the 118th Congress and the Biden administration to collaborate on ways to support the chemistry enterprise. We seek innovative solutions to challenges in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and workforce opportunities and training. We also support policies central to sustainability, equity and innovation. While acknowledging progress has been made with significant investments in several ACS priority areas, the Society continues to promote 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.

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

ACS requests that Congress ensure appropriations levels match the goals outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Unfunded mandates for new research initiatives must be avoided, and existing funding must be protected.

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

Elevate STEM Education and Workforce Training
ACS continues longstanding support for expanding and improving effective STEM education programs at all levels (K-12, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education); creating opportunities for problem solving-based education for everyone, in both formal and informal settings; and reviewing and updating education, training, workforce and immigration policies to ensure the U.S. has a diverse, mobile, highly  educated and innovative workforce capable of growing the economy and supporting American enterprises and jobs. ACS hopes to work with Congress and the Biden administration in a bipartisan manner to elevate science and science education and training as a priority in our nation's policies.

Related ACS policy statements: Science Education Policy, U.S. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Develop a Talented, Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
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 also supports protecting scientific education and exchange, including welcoming foreign scholars, students, scientists and engineers, to ensure a robust scientific enterprise and U.S. economy. Congress and the Biden administration should establish and maintain a portfolio of fair and flexible temporary visa options for education, training and short-term employment, and strengthen the U.S. workforce by enabling appropriately skilled foreign STEM workers to enter and remain permanently in the U.S.

Related ACS policy statements: Freedom of International Scientific ExchangeVisas for Scientific Collaboration and Academic StudyWorkforce Related Immigration

Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation
ACS strongly urges Congress and the Biden administration to take bold action to address climate change. 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 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 helping improve the sustainability of the chemistry enterprise should be a 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 policy statements: Global Climate Change, Energy Policy, Sustainability and the Chemistry Enterprise

Scientific Integrity
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.

Related ACS policy statement: Scientific Integrity in Public Policy

Learn more about ACS public policy priorities and advocacy.

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The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

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Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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