ACC Association News


ACC Highlights Plastics Innovations

ACC SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009

From artificial hearts and child-safety seats -- to fashion, electronics and home décor, the American Chemistry Council has embarked on a new effort to reacquaint consumers with the life-enhancing innovations that plastics make possible every day. The initiative, themed Plastics Make it Possible, will raise awareness of how consumers, industry and government are working together to prevent litter, reduce marine debris and increase recycling. To help connect with and engage consumers, ACC has introduced a new online destination that showcases some of the many ways plastics are driving innovations in key market sectors. Don't miss the featured sections on the Solar Decathlon and last week's "Fresh Faces in Fashion" event.


American Chemistry Council Comments on Consumer Reports Study

ACC SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009

The American Chemistry Council members develop, test and obtain regulatory approval for a variety of food contact products designed to keep food safe and fresh. Epoxy resins made from bisphenol A are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to line food and beverage cans -- to help prevent corrosion, contamination and food spoilage, and to provide a shelf life of two years or more. The recommendations from Consumer Reports' unnamed experts are inconsistent with the conclusions of expert regulatory bodies worldwide, all of which have confirmed that BPA exposure levels are low and well within safety standards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typical human exposure to BPA, including through canned products, is about 1,000 times below government safety limits. Learn more.


Summer Industrial Internships for Undergraduates

ACC SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009

Exceptional sophomores and juniors majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering are encouraged to apply for a 10-week internship through the SCI Scholars Program. Twenty-one scholars will be chosen for summer 2010. SCI Scholars will receive $6,000 to $9,000 for a 10-week internship, a certificate and an additional $1,000 that can be used for any purpose, such as participation at an ACS or AIChE meeting. Applications are due Jan. 15. Interested students should visit here for more information and to apply. Faculty can also download a program flyer from this site.


Members-Only News

ACC SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Check out the American Chemistry Council's Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report and
Health and Product Issue Update on ACC's MemberExchange


New EPA Rodent Study Finds No Low-Dose BPA Effects on Reproductive Function or Behavior

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009

The American Chemistry Council this week commented on a significant study funded and conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and published online in the journal Toxicological Sciences. In this study, researchers exposed female rodents to both BPA and ethinyl estradiol in utero in a wide range of doses to look for effects. "This new rodent study, funded and conducted by EPA, finds that low-dose exposures of bisphenol A showed no effects on the range of reproductive functions and behavioral activities measured. Well-conducted, peer-reviewed studies such as this provide the basis for reasoned government assessments and regulatory decisions." Read more.


"Got Your Bags?" Campaign Kicks Off in Los Angeles

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009


American Materials Manufacturing Alliance Says Major Changes Needed to Senate EPW Climate Bill to Prevent Job Loss and Emission Migration

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009

The American Materials Manufacturing Alliance, a group of energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries submitted a letter to all members of the Senate outlining major changes needed to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's "Chairman's Mark" of climate legislation, S. 1733. Substantial changes to S. 1733 are needed to prevent energy-intensive industries from being placed at a significant competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. The letter states that "a basic principle of climate policy is that it should not undermine the competitive position of U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace" and that "unless the Senate makes major changes to improve the emission-allowance provisions and address energy-cost impacts" in S. 1733, its provisions could "trigger major job loss and emission migration to unregulated economies." Read more.


Plastic Bottle Recycling Reaches Record High of More Than 2.4 Billion Pounds Annually

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009

Plastic bottle recycling by consumers increased by 75 million pounds in 2008, up 3.2%, to reach a record high of more than 2.4 billion pounds for the year, according to figures released jointly today by the American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers. The 19th annual National Post-Consumer Plastics Bottle Recycling Report also found that the results reflect a continuing increase in the pounds of bottles collected for recycling each year since the industry survey began in 1990. The recycling rate for plastic bottles rose nearly 3% to reach 27% Read more.


New Study Finds No Link Between Phthalate Exposure and Sperm Damage in Humans

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009


LA's BEST Teams Up With American Chemistry Council to Educate Kids About the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle and a Healthy Environment

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009

LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program and the American Chemistry Council announced a partnership to educate children and their families about the importance of drinking water for a healthy living, as well as reducing waste by reusing and recycling more plastics. As part of the program, ACC will provide LA's BEST students with reusable water bottles that they can have throughout the day, challenging children to make a habit of carrying their water bottles and drinking more water instead of sugary drinks. Learn more.


Members Only

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009

Read this week's Chemistry and Economic Report and
Health and Product Issue Update on ACC's MemberExchange


October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009

Led by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a national public-awareness campaign to encourage the protection of computers and our nation's critical cyber infrastructure. As a proud supporter of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, ChemITC and its Cyber Security Program provides companies throughout the global chemical sector access to valuable resources to evaluate and elevate their company's cyber-security preparedness. Find guidance and more on the Cyber Security Program Web site.


Inaugural Hearing of Congressional Natural Gas Caucus Raises Import U.S. Competitiveness Issues

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 22, 2009

The American Chemistry Council supports the bipartisan efforts of Reps. Dan Boren and Tim Murphy to educate their colleagues on the benefits of natural gas and the need for its continued domestic exploration and production. The chemistry industry has an important point of view as the largest industrial consumer of natural gas -- using it for fuel and as a vital raw material for manufacturing. Chemistry touches 96 percent of U.S. manufactured goods, including a wide variety of energy-saving and renewable energy products and processes. Without chemistry -- and natural gas -- we would not have solar panels, wind turbines, building insulation, lightweight vehicle parts, compact fluorescent light bulbs or energy-efficient appliances, among other products. Read more.


ACC Comments on EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 22, 2009

The American Chemistry Council reiterated its commitment to work with the Environmental Protection Agency as the agency announced the schedule for the first set of chemicals to be evaluated under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program to determine whether these chemicals do -- or do not -- have an effect on the endocrine system. Learn more.


Plastics Innovation Now!

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 19, 2009

View the first of many exciting examples of innovation in plastics engineering from the 2009 International Plastics Exposition. The WaterBrick is made of the same plastic as milk jugs, and when dropped from a helicopter with water or medicine can become part of a home, a school or a bunker when filled with sand. See how.


ACC: Congress takes significant action on chemical security

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 16, 2009

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment recently marked up HR 2868, the "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009." American Chemistry Council President and CEO Cal Dooley released this statement.


ACC Applauds Energy Efficiency Standards Agreement by Equipment Manufacturers, Efficiency Advocates

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 15, 2009


ACC: Congress Takes Significant Action on Chemical Security

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 15, 2009

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment recently marked up HR 2868, the "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009." American Chemistry Council President and CEO Cal Dooley released this statement.


ACC Members Only

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 12, 2009

Read the American Chemistry Council's Weekly Chemistry and Economic Report and Health and Product Issue Update on ACC's MemberExchange


Rep. Joe Barton Visits Hexion Specialty Chemicals` Ennis Plant

ACC SmartBrief | Oct 09, 2009

Hexion Specialty Chemicals recently hosted Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, at its plant in Ennis, Texas, to discuss the critical role the chemistry industry and Hexion plays in Texas. According to the American Chemistry Council, the average Texas chemical company employee earns 47% more than other manufacturing wages in the state. Read more.




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