Senator Coons' bipartisan bill to promote sustainable chemistry to become law

Press Release

The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today includes the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019, led by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.). The bill will support American manufacturing and American jobs while also protecting human health and the environment by helping to realize the full innovation and market potential of sustainable chemistry technologies. The bill now heads to the president's desk and is expected to become law this week.

"The chemical sector is an integral part of Delaware's economy, and I am proud that this legislation will support green chemistry innovation, create new companies and jobs, and promote sustainable use of resources," said Senator Coons. "By creating a cohesive national vision for sustainable chemistry research and development, improving training of chemists and other professionals, and building new partnerships with the private sector, this bill is an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of our chemical enterprise for years to come."

"Having worked closely with industry and academia to further sustainable technology innovation, DESCA is excited to see the passing of the Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act to coordinate the efforts of government in concert with these sectors for a cohesive strategy to drive innovation, build and strengthen talent, and ultimately drive economic growth. Critically, coordinating efforts in education and training as well as technology development, removing barriers to technology commercialization, and eliminating duplicative funding and research efforts will be among the key drivers of the success of this initiative," said Dora Cheatham, Executive Director, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance.

"By advancing sustainable chemistry research, education, training and commercialization, this legislation will provide critical benefits for people and the environment in the U.S. and globally," said Professor LaShanda Korley, director of the University of Delaware's new Center for Plastics Innovation. The center is working on catalytic and functionalization approaches to transform plastics into fuels and other valuable products.

"The passage of the Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act opens the door to accelerated US innovation that can deliver the safer, more sustainable chemicals and materials the global market is demanding for products in virtually every sector. Representing more than 125 companies across the entire value chain working to deliver products with more sustainable chemical ingredients, the GC3 has supported this bill for more than a decade. The Sustainable Chemistry R&D Act is smart policy that can catalyze faster progress with focused, coordinated federal action. The end result is accelerated research and innovation, expanded manufacturing capacity, enhanced market opportunities, and high-value jobs in better, more sustainable products," said Michele Jalbert, Chief Operating Officer, GC3.

"ACS applauds the passage of the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development act as part of the NDAA. This legislation, representing over a decade of work, will increase innovation, coordination and investment in green and sustainable chemistry. We appreciate the strong leadership of Senators Coons and Collins, as well as Representatives Moolenaar and Lipinski, to boost science and ensure a sustainable future," said Glenn Ruskin, Vice President, External Affairs and Communication, American Chemical Society.

"The American Chemistry Council and our members congratulate Sen. Coons, along with Sens. Susan Collins, Shelley Moore Capito and Amy Klobuchar, on final passage of the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act. Sustainable chemistry research and development is the instrument that will make solutions to global challenges possible. Through R&D investments and innovations, the chemical industry is developing the products and technologies that help save energy, enable renewable energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, advances in research and development also will help enable our member companies to continue to produce more sustainable chemistries with enhanced risk profiles, improve product quality while using less materials, divert materials traditionally considered waste into new and innovative uses, and design packaging and products that can be more easily recycled and reused," said the American Chemistry Council.

"Many years in the making, the bipartisan Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act provides a model for how we can address a transition to safer chemicals as we grow business and job opportunities. The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and the over 250,000 businesses and investors we represent, applaud the leadership of Senator Coons, for having the vision and willingness to work across party lines for the benefit our health, economy and our country," said David Levine, ASBC President and co-Founder.

The Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 is endorsed by the GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, the American Chemical Society, Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC), the American Chemistry Council, the American Sustainable Business Council, 3M, Ashland, BASF, Beautycounter, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Chemours, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Environmental Working Group, The LEGO Group, Nohbo LLC, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Delaware.

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