Most Clicked ACC SmartBrief Stories
1. Dooley: Clorox move proves current chemical regulations work
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
Clorox's decision to use alternatives to chlorine gas to make bleach shows that existing regulations allow chemical facilities to revise their processes to address security concerns, writes American Chemistry Council President Cal Dooley. He reacts to a recent editorial in The New York Times that suggests the industry has resisted legislation that would improve security at chemical plants. The ACC remains "committed to working with Congress to pass legislation encompassing key elements of the House bill, while granting the Department of Homeland Security flexibility to ensure the use of chemicals vital to our everyday lives," Dooley writes. New York Times (free registration), The (11/15)
2. Dow Chemical's solar shingle gets recognition as one of 2009's best
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
Dow Chemical's Powerhouse Solar Shingle placed 13th in Time magazine's 50 best inventions of 2009. The solar shingle, which features thin-film cells made of copper indium gallium diselenide, provides more energy savings and is installed just like traditional roof shingles. CoolerPlanet.com (11/16) Saginaw News (Mich.), The (11/16)
3. Researchers say prenatal exposure affects how boys play
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
A study published today in the International Journal of Andrology suggests prenatal exposure to two types of phthalates can affect the behavior of boys. Researchers suggested boys exposed to dibutyl phthalate or diethylhexyl phthalate were less likely to play with traditional male toys or engage in scuffles. PlasticsNews.com (11/16)
4. BASF touts new biodegradable plastic material
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
BASF has expanded its Ecovio product line with the addition of the Ecovio FS Paper and Ecovio FS Shrink Film -- biodegradable plastic products that can be used for coating paper as well as for manufacturing packaged-goods wrappings. The products, which could be available in the market in the first quarter of 2010, are made of biodegradable polyester and polylactic acid from corn starch, making them degrade much faster. Cleantech (11/13)
5. New group is formed to defend flexible vinyl products
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009
The American Chemistry Council's Phthalate Esters Panel is providing funding for the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, a newly established industry group tasked to respond to the rising criticisms against flexible vinyl products and phthalates used with vinyl to make plastic products. "We want to get more ears to the ground and add more voices to the debate," the group's coordinator said. PlasticsNews.com (11/19)
6. Mercury-free chlorine plants may mean environmental, economic woes
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
The decision of some U.S. chlorine plants to shift to mercury-free technology has created an excess supply of the toxic metal, which is being sold in the global market and used in "artisanal" gold mining and other harmful activities. A House committee has approved a bill that would require all plants to go mercury-free within five years, but plant owners are concerned about the feasibility of such a move, considering the economic situation. "If you can't get the financing, that's a huge factor -- it's not like Congress is offering incentives or support," said Rob Simon, spokesman for the American Chemistry Council's chlorine division. Washington Post, The (11/17)
7. Natural gas advocates face challenge over fracturing
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009
Climate-change legislation is being based in part on assertions that the U.S. has an abundant supply of natural gas that can help shift dependence from foreign oil. However, some industry analysts and environmentalists are casting doubt on the fracturing techniques being used to get natural gas from hard-to-reach places. American Chemistry Council President Cal Dooley expressed concern that congressional mandates could make gas prices prohibitive and lead to more job losses in the chemical industry. Washington Times, The (11/13)
8. Somali pirates hijack tanker with 28-member crew
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009
Washington Post, The (11/17)
9. Reactor design deemed suitable for use next to chemical plants
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009
The Energy Department is expected today to announce progress in the development of a new nuclear reactor that can be built next to chemical plants, fertilizer factories and oil refineries for high-temperature processing. The design of the reactor has features that make it safer to use next to the plants while operating at sufficient temperatures. New York Times, The (11/16)
10. Dooley: Congress should give EPA a "time out," too
ACC SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009
In response to an announcement by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that Democrats will delay debating climate change until the spring, the American Chemistry Council's Cal Dooley posted a response at this National Journal blog supporting a delay as long as the Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory deadlines do not overtake the process. "The best action here is for Congress to give EPA a 'time out' from proceeding with its rulemaking affecting stationary sources and have time to pass its own effective emissions-reduction policies," Dooley wrote. National Journal (11/18)
Sign up for ACC SmartBrief
Companies in the news