The American Chemistry Council appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) growing focus on enhancing air monitoring infrastructure across the nation. Commitments to air monitoring build on industry’s existing programs to monitor, measure and transparently report progress in reducing air emissions, including through Responsible Care®. In fact, since 2017, our members have reduced greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 12 percent; SOx emissions by 18 percent; and NOx emissions by 39 percent.”
In development and deployment of air monitoring programs, it will be critical for EPA to apply the best available science and appropriate risk communication. ACC hopes that EPA will strive to help communities fully understand the data and its context.
ACC is committed to working with the public sector to advance air monitoring. In fact, in 2021, we launched a groundbreaking air monitoring initiative with key community partners in Harris County, Texas. A $1 million grant from ACC’s Foundation helped provide new air monitoring equipment to enhance the County’s local Community Air Monitoring Program. Building on the success of this initiative, we are evaluating additional communities to launch similar programs.
EPA’s increased focus on local communities also supports our industry’s long-standing commitment to the safety and security of the communities in which we operate. Nearly 30 years ago, we led the development of hundreds of community advisory panels in facility communities. We will continue to work with our communities to help ensure that their voices are heard, and meaningful actions are taken to implement scientifically sound solutions to our nation’s greatest environmental challenges.
We look forward to working with EPA and other stakeholders to advance science-based air monitoring initiatives, helping to ensure that our world is safe and sustainable for generations to come.
