WASHINGTON (August 1, 2021) – The American Chemistry Council today issued the following statement from its President and CEO Chris Jahn regarding the bipartisan infrastructure legislation released by the Senate.
“The release of today’s legislation brings Senate lawmakers closer to finding a solution that could help modernize our nation’s infrastructure. We commend Democrats and Republicans for working together and striving to send President Biden an infrastructure package that seeks to benefit all Americans.
“Chemistry and infrastructure are mutually reliant. Chemical manufacturers need robust and updated infrastructure – everything from always-on electrical grids and energy to roads, ports, and railways - to support their operations. And creating affordable, innovative solutions that lead to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure requires the ingenuity of chemistry.
“We are encouraged to see that the Senate’s latest proposal contains numerous provisions that help promote the development and use of the advanced materials needed to bring our nation’s infrastructure into the 21st Century. The legislation could allow our industry to contribute to building out a stronger electric vehicle network, increasing energy efficiency and repairing aged water systems.
“While the legislation helps move the nation forward in a number of ways, it has a major failing: It includes new taxes on materials that are building blocks for U.S. manufacturing. The proposed reinstatement of Superfund Taxes — new excise taxes on 42 chemicals and other materials — will increase the cost of a variety of consumer goods, including many of the very materials needed for infrastructure development and climate improvement. We will continue to engage with Congress and the administration to find ways to forestall this harmful action.
“We are committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to modernize our country’s infrastructure and get a package signed into law that promotes the U.S. business of chemistry and American manufacturing.”
