Reevaluating America’s Foundations as the 250th Anniversary Approaches
As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, it’s a suitable moment to reflect on what has always set this nation apart: our principles of hard work, free enterprise, and the freedom to create. These values have propelled the U.S. to become the leading global economy, and they are crucial for revitalizing our manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness today.
The focus of this initiative is the chemical industry. Chemistry is fundamental to nearly every area of our economy, spanning energy, agriculture, and national defense. To maintain our leadership, we need policies that promote innovation and production. This begins with managing energy effectively, implementing pro-growth reforms, establishing smart trade policies, and ensuring that the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) operates as intended by Congress.
Energy Superiority Equals National Strength
Reliability and affordability of energy are crucial for a nation’s strength. America’s abundance of energy resources, particularly natural gas, has sparked a manufacturing revival that is the envy of the world.
Chemistry plays a pivotal role in this success, supplying advanced materials essential for oil and gas extraction, underpinning technology for carbon capture and hydrogen production, and facilitating lightweight parts that boost vehicle efficiency.
Our energy leadership underpins economic strength and resilience. However, this leadership is at risk due to policies that hinder domestic production, slow infrastructure development, and complicate energy project approvals. For a robust America, we need an energy strategy focused on leveraging advantages instead of fostering scarcity.
Innovation Must Be Encouraged: If You Can’t Build, You Can’t Win
A significant challenge to American competitiveness lies in our ineffective permitting system. It’s draining to see manufacturing plants and energy projects take five to ten years to get approvals. Such delays don’t enhance safety or environmental protections—they merely drive investment overseas.
A streamlined permitting process should be quick, predictable, and coordinated among government agencies, relying on sound science to encourage domestic production. We can’t afford to skip reform if we wish to rebuild manufacturing, secure supply chains, and enhance national resilience.
Trade Policy Must Prioritize American Workers and Manufacturers
The chemical sector ranks among the largest export industries in the U.S., supporting hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs. Our global competitiveness hinges on robust export leadership, and trade policies must aim to combat unfair import competition.
This means broadening access to international markets, keeping raw material costs down, making sure foreign competitors adhere to regulations via scientific collaboration, and reinforcing supply chains through strategic trade deals. When U.S. firms compete fairly, we triumph. Victory strengthens the entire U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.
TSCA Implementation Should Align with Congressional Intent
In 2016, Congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) with strong bipartisan support. The aim was clear: to create a more transparent, science-based chemical evaluation system that fosters innovation.
Yet, implementation often leads to uncertainty, delays, and contradictions. This undermines TSCA’s purpose and deters investment in advanced, safer chemicals. Both the House and Senate have introduced TSCA legislation, and it’s crucial for Congress to act quickly on this important bipartisan initiative.
A functional TSCA program must adhere to the best available science, and deliver timely, decisive outcomes while offering regulatory certainty for manufacturers. Americans deserve both safety and innovation, and TSCA is intended to provide both.
Chemistry Will Shape America’s Next 250 Years
American history has always been characterized by creativity and resolve. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to craft a new, significant chapter—one that features energy strength, exceptional manufacturing, and a recommitment to producing domestically. America’s chemical manufacturers are investing and innovating, gearing up for that promising future. With the right policies, we can usher in a new era of American prosperity that benefits workers, families, and communities for many years ahead.
