The following content is sponsored by the American Chemistry Council and written by its President and CEO, Chris Jahn.
The U.S. manufacturer plans to do so within a few years. Washington often flits from one deadline to the next. When these deadlines impact the chemical safety programs that all manufacturers rely on, uncertainty extends far beyond Capitol Hill.
Congress has an important task before December 11: reauthorizing user fees paid by operators to help support long-term implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In doing so, Congress will take real action to help ensure chemical safety while promoting innovation, growing American manufacturing, and strengthening American competitiveness.
Most Americans will never need to know the details of TSCA. But they use chemically affected products every day that are made from chemicals. Materials used in semiconductors, vehicles, medical devices and construction all link chemical manufacturing to the wider economy. A reliable chemical management system is important for every business in the supply chain.
TSCA is the primary chemicals management law in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses TSCA to review chemicals and fulfill chemical safety responsibilities. The company pays royalties to help support EPA’s TSCA efforts. Congress must renew the authority behind these fees so that EPA can rely on this funding source.
The distinction is important. The TSCA itself does not expire. Congress must reaffirm EPA’s authority to collect user fees paid by industry to help support implementation of this law. Reauthorizing the agency will help ensure that the agency can continue to meet its chemical safety responsibilities.
Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (Photo courtesy of the American Chemistry Council)
The initial fee authorization provides ten years of runway. Congress should reauthorize this authority now to achieve long-term certainty. A shorter extension would leave manufacturers and EPA facing another financing deadline rather than providing the predictability needed for long-term planning. Manufacturers plan on an annual basis; they rely on plans that require support beyond the next budget cycle.
As president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, I represent the companies that work within the system and pay these user fees. Our interest is simple: develop chemical management programs that protect human health and the environment while providing manufacturers with the certainty to invest, innovate and compete in the United States.
Manufacturers need to make decisions about research, equipment, production, and hiring. These decisions require confidence that the systems supporting chemical safety will continue to function as intended. Uncertainty does not help companies plan their next investment or suppliers prepare their next order.
Consider a manufacturer that develops new materials for customers. Research is just the beginning. Manufacturers must plan how to bring the material or substance into commerce, serve their customers, and meet their obligations under TSCA. It requires an effective review system, not another layer of uncertainty about how to support it.
Providing certainty about TSCA funding does not replace accountability. Manufacturers and the public should expect sound science, transparent decision-making and responsible implementation. Reauthorizing TSCA user charge authority does not mean that all challenges have been resolved. Other important aspects of TSCA implementation could be greatly improved. These issues deserve attention, but they do not change Congress’ responsibilities today.
Congress should complete the long-term reauthorization of TSCA user fees by December 11 and preserve support for the U.S. chemical safety program. There is no benefit in adding avoidable uncertainty when lawmakers should be focusing on strengthening U.S. manufacturing and competitiveness.
If chemical safety, American manufacturing, or innovation are important to your business or community, make your voice heard. Ask your U.S. Senators and Representatives to reauthorize the TSCA user fees before the December 11 deadline.
America’s success depends on America’s chemistry. This industry, critical to U.S. manufacturing and competitiveness, is too important to ignore.
Chris Jahn is President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents America’s chemical manufacturers and chemical innovators.