As President Trump marks the end of his first 100 days in office, the American Chemistry Council has a message: our industry is ready. Not just to contribute—but to lead. We’re operating safer, cleaner, and smarter than ever before, and we’re positioned to drive the next wave of American innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.
Today’s chemical industry is not what it was a generation ago. Through Responsible Care®, our mandatory, third-party audited performance program, ACC members are setting the bar when it comes to global standards in safety, environmental protection, and accountability. This is 21st-century manufacturing in action—and it’s essential to America’s future.
But to unlock our industry’s full potential, we need Washington to remove the barriers holding back progress.
First, fix the Toxic Substances Control Act. The New Chemicals Program is plagued by delays. By law, EPA must make determinations within 90 days. Right now, that deadline is missed about 90% of the time. That kind of uncertainty stifles innovation and pushes advanced chemical development and finished goods manufacturing overseas. We’re calling for a real “shot clock,” one with enforceable timelines and accountability to match.
We also need to modernize how we treat recycling plastics. Advanced recycling is manufacturing—full stop. Recognizing that in law will allow the industry to turn plastic waste into reusable raw materials, reducing waste and strengthening the U.S. supply chain.
Then there’s energy and infrastructure. Our industry runs on affordable, reliable energy. That means advancing permitting reform and investing in energy infrastructure. To produce and move more chemistry in America, we need to update our nation’s freight rail policies, so we have access to competitive and reliable service. We also need a trade agenda that supports domestic growth and pushes back on unfair global practices.
Throughout these first 100 days, ACC has been actively advocating for smart, pro-growth policies. We’ve highlighted our role in powering the U.S. economy across leading media platforms. In The Washington Post, we outlined how “Everything Begins with Chemistry,” emphasizing our role in healthcare, technology, and everyday innovation. In The Washington Times, we discussed how American chemistry is essential to building “stronger, better infrastructure” and the criticality of “smarter energy and chemical policy.”In Politico, we spotlighted how “America’s Economy Runs on Chemistry”—underscoring our industry’s critical role in job creation, R&D, and global competitiveness.
And Americans agree. A recent ACC-commissioned survey shows that nearly three-quarters of voters believe growing U.S. chemical production leads to more jobs, more innovation, and greater economic strength. Two-thirds support reducing unnecessary regulations and modernizing permitting processes. And a supermajority believes we can protect human health and the environment without sacrificing U.S. manufacturing strength.
President Trump’s first 100 days laid the foundation. Now it’s time to act. Modernize TSCA. Advance energy, transportation, and infrastructure policy. Embrace recycling innovation. And create an overall regulatory environment that matches our industry’s commitment to progress.
America’s chemical manufacturers are ready to lead. Let’s get to work.
