American Chemistry Council

The following is a detailed encyclopedia article about the American Chemistry Council, formatted in MediaWiki source code:

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American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is a major trade association for the American chemical industry. It represents companies engaged in the business of chemistry, advocating for policies that support innovation, job creation, and economic growth. The ACC is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

History

The American Chemistry Council was founded in 1872 as the Manufacturing Chemists' Association. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, becoming the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 1978, and finally adopting its current name in 2000 to better reflect its broader mission and membership.

Mission and Activities

The ACC's mission is to promote the interests of its member companies and the chemical industry as a whole. It focuses on:

• Advocacy: The ACC lobbies for policies that benefit the chemical industry, including regulatory reform, tax policy, and trade agreements.
• Research: The council conducts and sponsors research on chemical safety, environmental impact, and economic contributions of the industry.
• Education: The ACC provides educational resources and programs to inform the public and policymakers about the benefits and safety of chemical products.
• Sustainability: The council promotes sustainable practices within the industry, including initiatives to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Responsible Care

One of the ACC's flagship programs is Responsible Care, a global initiative aimed at improving the health, safety, and environmental performance of chemical companies. Members of the ACC commit to implementing Responsible Care principles, which include:

• Continuous improvement in safety and environmental performance.
• Open communication with stakeholders about chemical risks and benefits.
• Adoption of best practices in chemical management.

Membership

The ACC's membership includes over 190 companies, ranging from large multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises. Members produce a wide range of chemical products, including plastics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.

Criticism and Controversy

The ACC has faced criticism from environmental groups and public health advocates who argue that the council prioritizes industry profits over environmental and public health concerns. Critics have also accused the ACC of lobbying against regulations that would impose stricter controls on chemical production and use.

Also see

• Chemical industry
• Environmental impact of chemicals
• Trade association
• Responsible Care

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the American Chemistry Council, including its history, mission, and activities, as well as related topics and categories for further exploration.