As EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan continues his week-long “Journey to Justice: Real EJ Conversations on Your Corner” trip through Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and its members reaffirm the importance of environmental justice and hearing the concerns of local communities. Public policy discussions must be more inclusive to ensure that historically underrepresented communities can participate and that their views are factored into decision-making.
We support the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people of every race, color, national origin, and income level in issues related to the implementation and enforcement of environmental policies. We welcome the growing focus in Washington and around the country on ways the public and private sectors can work together to help protect the environment – including our climate, air, water, and land.
Our Commitment
ACC members have a longstanding commitment to the safety and security of the communities in which they operate. These cities and towns are made up of both neighbors and family, as many company employees live in the neighborhoods surrounding manufacturing facilities.
Under Responsible Care®, our members track and report their performance against specific environmental, health, safety and security metrics, and ACC makes this information publicly available. Participation in Responsible Care – a condition of membership – reflects our commitment to excellent practices and transparent data reporting.
Improving Performance
Since the 1980s, total toxic releases and air emissions of criteria pollutants in the U.S. have fallen sharply, even as population and GDP have grown. ACC member companies reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants by more than 24% over the past decade. Emissions of EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals to air fell by 57% from 2007 to 2019 and 3.7% from 2018 to 2019, according to EPA. Discharges of TRI chemicals to surface water fell by 16% from 2007 to 2019. Surface water discharges by the chemical manufacturing sector fell by 72% from 1996 to 2018, according to EPA.
Enhanced Air Monitoring Initiative
One recent example of our continued commitment to protecting the environment is an exciting effort ACC has underway in Harris County, Texas. We’re engaging Harris County officials and the Houston Advance Research Center (HARC) on a pioneering initiative to enhance the county’s air monitoring capabilities. The project was made possible by a $1 million grant from ACC through its Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives, to purchase more than 60 new air monitors and support the development of new scientific tools for interpreting air quality data during an emergency.
A primary goal for the project is addressing environmental justice concerns and ensuring that the new equipment was placed in local communities, including those that have been historically underserved. The effort shows what can be accomplished when industry and local officials work together to achieve a common goal - improving environmental performance and the community at large.
Rigorous Science and Transparency
As a scientist and an environmental toxicologist, I’m attuned to the need for EPA to ensure that its activity promotes consistency, best available science, appropriate risk characterizations, and an efficient regulatory process. To achieve the best possible outcome, the Agency must provide ample opportunity for engagement with all stakeholders, including regulated parties and the community. Doing so promotes open dialogue and transparency while allowing EPA to understand the full scope of impacts of its actions.
Sustaining the Momentum
Many historically disadvantaged communities feel they haven’t had a strong voice in discussions about environmental quality. We believe that should change. This week’s EPA tour underscores that environmental justice, including meaningful conversation and participation, is a critical issue that impacts many communities around the country. ACC looks forward to being a constructive partner as ideas and opportunities to address these issues develop.
Dr. White is vice president of Regulatory & Technical Affairs at the American Chemistry Council
