ACC Statement on EPA's New Environmental Justice Office
WASHINGTON (September 29, 2022) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement today in support of the launch of EPA’s historic new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR):
“The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and our members are committed to being good neighbors and helping safeguard communities and the environment. The cities and towns where we operate include our families, friends, and employees. For nearly 40 years, ACC members have worked to continually improve environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) performance through Responsible Care®.
“We recognize the concerns that communities can have about their local environment, and we support readily available access to accurate, scientifically robust data. In fact, for more than 20 years, Responsible Care companies have reported their performance against specific EHS&S metrics, and made this information publicly available.
“Our members are problem solvers and innovators. Through the Long Range Research Initiative, and efforts with the Foundation for Chemistry Research Initiatives, we continue to invest in science, research and education. The products of chemistry play an important role in addressing sustainability and environmental justice concerns, including increasing access to clean drinking water, finding innovative and scalable solutions to addressing climate change, and enabling reuse of vital resources.
“ACC is committed to engaging with communities and creating a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future. Through programs like the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative, our industry is supporting access to higher education for underrepresented groups and helping to create a diverse future for our industry.
“We support engagement with local communities and are committed to working with regulators and local policymakers to continue to develop and share accurate, science-based environmental and risk information. We demonstrated this commitment by collaborating with local government and an independent research group on a, voluntary air monitoring initiative in Harris County, Texas.
“We believe community voices should be heard and welcome the opportunity to work with the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) to identify effective, workable solutions that make a meaningful impact in communities nationwide. ACC looks forward to being a constructive partner to help develop ideas and solutions to best address these issues through a transparent process with regular opportunity for stakeholder engagement.”
