americanchemistry.com : energy

ACC believes that access to a reliable, affordable supply of energy—especially natural gas—is vital to chemical makers, the future of the American manufacturing base and the health of the U.S. economy as a whole. Our industry relies heavily on natural gas for chemistry that goes into thousands of products consumers use every day—from medicines, packaging and medical equipment to auto parts, antifreeze, computers, telephones and health and personal care products. Chemistry materials go into energy-saving products such as building insulation, lightweight vehicle parts, “low rolling resistance” tires, solar panels, wind power blades, compact fluorescent light bulbs, automotive and industrial lubricants, and many others.

Media Contact: Jennifer Scott
Phone: 703-741-5813

America’s chemical industry is the largest energy consumer in the manufacturing sector. Chemical companies use large amounts of natural gas—more than the state of California—both to heat and power our facilities and as a raw material for chemistry that goes into thousands of consumer and industrial products. Other U.S. industries also depend on natural gas for production, among them steel, aluminum, cement and agriculture.

Given our industry’s reliance on natural gas for production, one of our most pressing challenges is its skyrocketing cost. U.S. natural gas costs have risen sharply since 2000, ranging from 300 to 700 percent higher. In some countries, natural gas can be purchased for less than one-tenth of its U.S. cost. Chemical makers and other manufacturers simply cannot compete effectively in the global market when the cost of one of their key “inputs” is so much higher. Consumers see the impact as well—in their home heating and electricity bills—natural gas is increasingly used for electricity generation—and in the cost of products they buy that are made with natural gas, as higher energy costs ripple through the supply chain.

Government policies exert significant influence on domestic energy price and supply. Clearly, consensus has developed in Congress that current OCS policy—a blanket ban on energy development off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts—must be changed. America’s energy needs require expanded access to domestic sources. ACC has long advocated for a balanced energy policy that includes efficiency, conservation, diversity (including renewables) and expanded domestic energy supply. As these issues continue to occupy center stage in the new Congress next year, these will remain our key priorities.

ACC’s Cal Dooley discusses energy, climate, rail policy and chemical regulation, September 30, 2008. » view video on

Jack Gerard Talks to NPR About Petroleum's Future. » listen to audio

ACC’s Jack Gerard discusses climate and energy policy and the need for a comprehensive approach, May 21, 2008. » view video/transcript on

Jack Gerard speech to the Nuclear Energy Assembly, May 6, 2008: Energizing a Low-Carbon Future » view transcript

EVENT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO CLIPS: Presidential Campaigns on Energy Policy, October 24, 2007
This National Issues Briefing considered 2008 presidential candidates’ positions on energy and climate policy. » view video » view transcript

ACC's Jack Gerard urges Congress to wait to revisit chemical security rules, March 21, 2007
American Chemistry Council's Jack Gerard says increasing natural gas supply will enable alternatives to come to forefront. » view video/transcript on

ACC President and CEO Jack Gerard Explains Need for More Offshore Drilling, May 18, 2006
Jack Gerard, president of the American Chemistry Council, discusses U.S. policies on offshore energy exploration. » view video/transcript on

Consumer Alliance for Energy Security Urges Congressional Action to End Crisis, April 5, 2006
» learn more » view photos

ACC President and CEO Jack Gerard Testified Before Congress on Natural Gas Prices, February 9, 2006 » view testimony » view photos

ACC President and CEO Jack Gerard Testified Before Congress on America's Natural Gas Crisis, November 17, 2005
» view testimony

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