Overregulating the chemistry industry jeopardizes innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Learn more.

  • Read time: 3 minutes
  • Press Release

ACC Testifies at Public Hearing on Implementation of Superfund Excise Taxes on Chemicals

CONTACT US
Jennifer Scott
CONTACT US
Tax

WASHINGTON (October 25, 2023) — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement after an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of the Treasury public hearing on proposed regulations relating to excise taxes on certain chemicals and certain taxable substances. ACC Senior Director Robert Flagg and select member companies testified at the hearing. Earlier this year, ACC filed comments in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

“Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development and are advancing products, processes, and technologies to address climate change, enhance air and water quality, and progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy. While ACC opposes the reinstatement of the Superfund Tax on Chemicals (SCT), we appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the NPRM and outline specific changes that are needed.  

“As noted in our past advocacy on this issue, the reinstated SCT will affect chemical supply chains and markets and could lead to higher costs for consumers.  Compounding the problem, these taxes were reinstated without modifications that would reflect advancements and efficiencies in chemical manufacturing processes that have occurred since the sunset of the SCT in the 1990s.

Recycling of chemicals is a good example. This process is more common and feasible than 25 years ago. While the NPRM acknowledges that Congress intended for the SCT to apply only once to a given quantity of a taxable chemical, it states that recyclers are considered manufacturers of the taxable chemical, thereby triggering the tax. The final rule should clarify that the definition of ‘recycling’ excludes scenarios where a taxable chemical is reused in a continuous or recurring process, not recycled into a new product.

“ACC has additional concerns with the proposal, including provisions that conflict with the statutory language or create burdensome, confusing, and costly requirements for taxpayers, including downstream purchasers. In some cases, the NPRM conflicts with the historical position of the IRS. We urge Treasury and the IRS to consider our concerns and suggestions and promptly issue the final rules.”

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.