Lipinski introduces bipartisan bill to promote innovation in sustainable chemistry

Statement

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) this week introduced a House companion bill to the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). The bicameral, bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Representative John Moolenaar (R-Mich.).

"I'm proud to lead the Sustainable Chemistry Act of 2019 in the House, along with my colleague, Representative Moolenaar," said Congressman Lipinski. "Chemistry is the foundation of countless industries, including agricultural pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, and textiles. As global demand increases for products that are safer and sourced in a more environmentally-friendly way, significant coordination and research is needed to support these industries as they transition to alternative chemicals. This bill will direct coordination at the federal level to encourage research and practices that incorporate sustainable chemistry, including technology transfer programs. These efforts can lead to economic growth while also improving environmental quality."

"This legislation strengthens cooperation between the federal government, the private sector, and the scientific community to further research and development in chemistry," said Congressman Moolenaar. "It will keep our country at the forefront of innovation and help create new products that will benefit all Americans."

Sustainable chemistry can inspire new products and processes, create jobs, and enhance benefits to human health and the environment. The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 supports efforts in sustainable chemistry across all federal research agencies and will establish a coordinating entity under the National Science and Technology Council within the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The legislation will allow the agencies involved in this entity to work, in consultation with qualified stakeholders, to assess the state of sustainable chemistry in the U.S. and encourage the validation of tools for assessment of sustainable chemistry processes or products. The bill will also coordinate federal efforts in sustainable chemistry to maximize federal investment in this area. It does not include any regulatory components or authorize new spending.

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