President Trump: We can help make America a manufacturing super power. Learn more

Congress Gets a Chemistry Lesson in Keeping it Clean

  • Read time: 2 minutes
  • Blog Post
by
Congressional Chemistry Caucus Reception

The power of chemistry was on full display at the “Innovative Chemistries for a Cleaner America” reception hosted by the Congressional Chemistry Caucus. Policymakers were provided the opportunity to learn more about how cleaning chemistries help reduce waste and conserve resources while combating germs and keeping everything clean.

During his welcoming remarks, Chemistry Caucus Chair Congressman John Moolenaar (MI – 2nd) emphasized the essential role chemistry plays in our daily lives and its critical importance to the nation’s supply chain. He highlighted the Caucus’s mission to help Congress better understand how chemistry underpins nearly every aspect of modern life—and the urgent need to inspire and attract the next generation of chemists.

When it comes to producing cleaning chemistries, the U.S. is a leader, producing a quarter of the world’s cleaning products. 

In fact, according to an economic analysis by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the U.S. is a net exporter of cleaning products contributing $1.1 billion to the national trade balance in 2024. The $60 billion cleaning products industry also supports 66,000 jobs.

 

Chemistry also drives the innovation behind safer, more effective cleaning products used in homes, schools, and hospitals. That’s why ACC is calling for a regulatory framework that supports American chemistry, fosters innovation and promotes safety. Congress can help by making targeted improvements to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA’s primary authority for regulating chemicals.

Many leading companies were on hand to display examples of innovative chemistries that help protect human health - from antibacterials that fight germs to enzymes and surfactants used get things clean, including:

The event was hosted by the American Cleaning Institute, in coordination with other members of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, including the American Chemistry Council, Alliance for Chemical Distribution, and the American Chemical Society.

The Congressional Chemistry Caucus serves as an informal group for members dedicated to science and education to work on issues regarding the important role chemistry plays in everyday life. The bipartisan and bicameral caucus is dedicated to educating fellow members, staff, and the public on the benefits of chemistry in today’s society.

About the Author
American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.