Moolenaar’s bipartisan, bicameral bill provides federal support for sustainable chemistry

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) on April 3 cosponsored a bipartisan, bicameral bill to authorize federal coordination of activities supporting sustainable chemistry.

“This legislation strengthens cooperation between the federal government, the private sector and the scientific community to further research and development in chemistry,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “It will keep our country at the forefront of innovation and help create new products that will benefit all Americans.”

Rep. Moolenaar introduced the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019, H.R. 2051, with lead bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL). Bipartisan companion legislation, the same-named S. 999, was introduced the same day by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Christopher Coons (D-DE). 

If enacted, the proposed legislation would spur further development of new and innovative chemicals, products and processes, while also focusing on the efficient use of resources and reducing or eliminating exposure to hazardous substances, according to a one-page summary of the bill provided by the lawmakers earlier this week.

“Chemistry is the foundation of countless industries, including agricultural pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, and textiles,” said Rep. Lipinski. “This bill will direct coordination at the federal level to encourage research and practices that incorporate sustainable chemistry, including technology transfer programs. These efforts can lead to economic growth while also improving environmental quality.”

Sen. Collins said the bill also would provide grants and training and educational opportunities for scientists and engineers.

“This is an exciting opportunity to maintain our scientific leadership and ensure the sustainability of our chemical enterprise for years to come,” added Sen. Coons. 

According to the lawmakers’ summary, the sustainable chemistry field is creating jobs, supporting economic development, and ensuring U.S. companies remain competitive globally. 

But despite the private sector’s strong interest in sustainable chemistry, the members said barriers exist to the continued design, development and commercialization of sustainable chemical products and processes. 

“This is partly due to the lack of widely recognized definitions for sustainable chemistry or methods for measuring the sustainability of a chemical product or process,” according to their summary. “In addition, there is no comprehensive approach to research and training in the sustainable chemistry field, meaning most chemists and chemical engineers graduate without exposure to sustainable chemistry training.”

Sen. Capito pointed out that under the bill, federal research agencies would be directed “to act as partners with industry and institutions of higher education in advancing these goals that are so vital for our economy, environment and public health — all at no additional cost to taxpayers.”

The bill specifically would establish a coordinating entity under the National Science and Technology Council within the Office of Science and Technology Policy, according to the summary, and all involved agencies would work in consultation with qualified stakeholders to assess the state of sustainable chemistry in the United States and to coordinate federal efforts in sustainable chemistry, among other provisions.

Thus far, the legislation has received support from numerous organizations and private companies, including the GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, the American Chemical Society, the American Chemistry Council, the American Sustainable Business Council, the Dow Chemical Co., DuPont, the Environmental Working Group, Procter & Gamble, and others. 

H.R. 2051 is under consideration by both the U.S. House Budget Committee and the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, while the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is considering S. 999.