WASHINGTON (June 13, 2017) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement following House passage of H.R. 338, a bill to promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce, authored by Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).
“As an industry undergoing a historic expansion made possible by domestic energy, we applaud House passage of this bipartisan legislation. While America’s energy and manufacturing sectors are expanding, we’ve also been challenged to fill new positions and replace retirees. H.R. 338 will help by improving education and job training.
“In the chemical sector, workforce development challenges have only grown steeper as our shale-related projects proceed. Since 2010, 310 projects cumulatively valued at $185 billion have come online or are in some stage of development. These new factories and expansions are projected to create at least 820,000 jobs while strengthening communities and promoting economic vitality. We need to lay the groundwork now to fully realize this opportunity.”