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  • Press Release

ACC Applauds Vote by U.S. House to Prevent Rail Strike

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Scott Jensen
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WASHINGTON (November 30, 2022) — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) commends the U.S. House vote to approve House Joint Resolution 100, which adopts the Tentative Agreement brokered between union leadership and railroads in September.

“We applaud the swift bipartisan action in the House to head off a shutdown of the rail network,” said Chris Jahn, ACC’s president and CEO.

Chris Jahn, ACC President and CEO
Without a final solution from Congress, in less than a week, railroads will begin suspending shipments of chemicals that are vital to disinfecting water, producing food and refining gasoline. There is no time to waste. We urge the Senate to act quickly and approve the legislation passed by the House that implements the terms of the Tentative Agreement.

The threat of rail service embargoes come at a time when major supply chain problems continue to significantly disrupt chemical manufacturing, including a sharp decline in rail service. These ongoing problems make it extremely challenging for companies to use alternative modes of transportation to ship chemicals.

U.S. chemical manufacturers are one of largest users of freight rail – shipping more than 33,000 carloads per week worth $2.8 billion. Many chemical facilities would be forced to curtail production or shut down within the first week of a rail service embargo.

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.