American Chemistry Council Launches Energy Advocacy and Awareness Campaign

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Feb 07, 2012, 10:30 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today announced the launch of a new energy advocacy and awareness campaign, From Chemistry to Energy. Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO, was joined by members of Congress and business leaders at an event on Capitol Hill.

"In order for our economy to grow, U.S. industries to innovate and compete globally, and businesses to create new jobs, a national energy strategy is critical," said Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO. "Through this campaign, we will promote the development of sound energy policies that support these goals, while highlighting chemistry's role in enabling a strong, secure and sustainable future for the United States."

Americans agree that a national energy strategy is needed. According to a recent national survey conducted by Washington-based Clarus Research Group, an overwhelming majority of voters (94 percent) believe that a "comprehensive energy policy is essential to building a strong economy, creating new jobs, and making America more competitive with other countries." To view the full survey findings, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com.

"Many people don't realize that the chemistry industry is the foundation of America's manufacturing sector," said Jim Gallogly, CEO of LyondellBasell. "Chemistry creates the basic building blocks for countless products Americans rely on every day, as well as 96 percent of all manufactured goods made in the U.S.A. Abundant, affordable domestic natural gas has created a new competitive edge for American chemistry, and it's driving a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing."

"America's chemistry industry is a technology and materials innovator and can play a central role in meeting energy challenges," said Gary W. Spitzer, President, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts. "At DuPont, we are intensely focused on using science to address major challenges, including the need for abundant, affordable and increasingly clean energy. We offer solutions that enable renewable energy technologies as well as reduced energy consumption, and we continuously improve our own energy efficiency. These efforts reflect the kinds of contributions being made across our industry."

A recent ACC study found that the use of chemistry in energy-saving products and technologies helps save up to 10.9 quadrillion Btus of energy annually, enough to power up to 56 million households or up to 135 million vehicles each year, and saving Americans up to $85 billion in energy costs annually.

ACC will be advocating for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs. Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for the business of chemistry.

For more information about the From Chemistry to Energy campaign, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com. Also, join the conversation on Twitter using #Chemistry2Energy and follow campaign updates at @AmChemistry and blog.americanchemistry.com.

http://www.americanchemistry.com

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council