Why do Americans need chemistry? The answer's all around us

New York Post

06-05-2025

Creating a stronger, more affordable America begins with recognizing the vital role of chemical manufacturers to the future of our nation. From national defense and energy independence to modern health care and resilient supply chains, chemistry is the driving force behind everyday products that businesses and families rely on. It brings stability to our economy, strengthens our competitiveness across global markets, and aids in technological innovation.
American success relies on American chemistry, and there is one group strongly advocating for it. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is committed to working with the Trump administration and Congress to champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government. It is calling for smarter, pro-growth, science-based regulatory processes to help foster American innovation and manufacturing.
'Chemistry creates the products and solutions our country needs every day. Growing U.S. chemical production will help make our country the world's manufacturing superpower,' says Chris Jahn, president and CEO of ACC.
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ACC and its members are championing five main principles with the new administration:
Drive predictable, transparent, fact-based policies that put sound science first and support responsible regulation. Foster domestic innovation that will lead to jobs, capital spending, and increased investment in research and development. Leverage chemical innovations to both protect our environment and bolster America's energy independence. Help safeguard our communities with Responsible Care®, the industry's commitment to the health, safety and security of their employees, the communities in which they operate, and the environment. Promote resilient supply chains, which are essential to keeping the economy running.
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Chemistry by the numbers
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Did you know that nearly all manufactured goods are impacted by the business of chemistry? This $633 billion industry is vital to groundbreaking products that make our lives and America healthier, safer and stronger.
Supports nearly 25% of U.S. GDP
Generates more than $32 billion in capital investment
554,000 skilled, good-paying jobs depend on chemistry
Supports 4.1 million jobs in other industries
The U.S. has cemented its place as the world's second-largest chemical producer and invests billions in R&D annually.
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How to unleash America's manufacturing dominance
The current threat to U.S. competitiveness lies in the need for action to make critical improvements to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). ACC is urging Congress to make surgical tweaks to TSCA rather than completely overhauling it.
The industry is focused on two precise actions to fix TSCA. One addresses delays in the New Chemicals Program by implementing a 90-day shot clock for EPA to complete new chemical reviews. This will hold the agency accountable and enforce the statutory deadline to review new chemicals coming to market. Currently 9 out of every 10 new chemicals undergoing TSCA review are backlogged in EPA's review process. The logjam of new chemicals waiting for EPA review is driving manufacturers overseas to introduce new chemistries. According to industry data, new chemical reviews in the U.S. can take up to six years or longer, compared to other nations where new chemicals approvals are completed in three to six months.
The second fix to TSCA would provide much needed clarity by ensuring that existing chemical reviews be risk-based, apply the best available science and integrate relevant scientific information. This ensures that conclusions are based on a thorough and balanced evaluation of the available evidence for EPA regulatory decision making.
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'To the Trump Administration, you have the support of the U.S. chemical industry, and you have the support of the American people, to fix TSCA .' Chris Jahn, president & CEO, ACC
Americans know chemistry is essential to how we live every day
ACC recently released the results of a national, bipartisan survey on voters' opinions of the chemical industry's role in the economy, regulations, and EPA priorities. Conducted by Morning Consult, a national polling and data analytics firm, the results overwhelmingly show that Americans across the political spectrum recognize the urgent need for policymakers to strengthen TSCA to support chemical manufacturers' ability to develop advanced and sustainable chemistries, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.
The survey's key findings indicate that Americans recognize the chemical industry as essential to:
Developing lifesaving medicines and medical devices (83%)
U.S. energy production (81%)
Technological innovation in the U.S. (79%)
Consumer products (77%)
The U.S.'s competitive edge over foreign countries (76%)
'The White House, EPA and Congress have the support of the American people to prioritize policies that grow U.S. chemical production so America can be the world's manufacturing superpower. The data speaks for itself: A majority of Americans support updating TSCA and want Congress to use its authority to make improvements. To the Trump Administration, you have the support of the U.S. chemical industry, and you have the support of the American people, to fix TSCA,' Jahn added.
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Innovation and the administration
Demand for chemistry is expected to grow, which is why ACC is already working with the Trump administration and Congress to expand domestic chemical production to meet the needs of the nation. Jahn emphasizes that 'We are not your grandfather's chemical industry' when discussing the potential perception issue with the current Congress. 'Our Responsible Care safety and environmental performance program sets us apart. Our member companies are safer and cleaner than ever before,' Jahn explained. 'ACC and its members have a positive story to tell when it comes to safety, performance, and welcome a smarter, more efficient approach to regulations. There is a tremendous opportunity to implement policies and regulations that can put the U.S. out front when it comes to competing with foreign adversaries.'
When chemistry creates, America competes. Learn more here about how the American Chemistry Council is helping build a stronger, more affordable nation.
For more insights on how American success relies on American chemistry, follow Chris on LinkedIn and @JahnChris on X.