| News for American Chemistry |  |
- Formaldehyde, styrene review to include scrutiny of listing criteria
The National Academies will not only review the National Toxicology Program's listings of formaldehyde and styrene as part of the most recent Report on Carcinogens, but it will also examine the veracity of the criteria used to make such listings. The American Chemistry Council "encourages the NAS effort to evaluate the current RoC's listing criteria to determine if it leads to scientifically sound recommendations. This is particularly important to ensuring that all relevant information is incorporated into future listing determinations." InsideEPA.com (free content)
(1/14)      
- Md. budget proposal would allot $1.5 million to study fracking
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has proposed spending $1.5 million in fiscal 2014 to study hydraulic fracturing. The funding, if approved by the legislature, would offer analysis of economic impact, public health and baseline environmental data for western Maryland. Now is the time "to do the necessary studies that would allow us to promulgate the most environmentally responsible standard for fracking in the Marcellus Shale," O'Malley said. Bloomberg BNA (subscription required)
(1/17)
- Solvay finishes integration of Rhodia purchase
Solvay's restructuring has been completed after its purchase of Rhodia, said Solvay CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu. The company will contain five clusters, including performance chemicals, advanced materials and polymers. "Through the mobilization of our teams, we have managed to convert the two former companies into one of the 10 largest chemical companies worldwide," Clamadieu said. Chemical Week
(1/16)
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Solvay optimistic about U.S. market: Solvay is uncertain about European markets but sees opportunities in the U.S., where the automotive sector "is doing very well," said CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu. "We are ready today to look at add-on acquisitions if there were opportunities to speed up growth," he added. Reuters
(1/16)
- Energy Dept. opens research facility for rare-earth materials
The Department of Energy has opened the Critical Materials Hub, a research initiative based at the Ames National Laboratory in Iowa that will focus on developing extraction technologies to increase the supply of rare-earth materials. The project, which has a five-year budget of $120 million, is one of five such centers established by the Energy Department. MIT Technology Review online
(1/16)
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ACC lauds Energy Department's selection of Ames Laboratory as the new Critical Materials Institute
- Why the best bosses don't have big bellies
There are few overweight CEOs at major companies, and that's no coincidence, experts say. The job requires stamina and physical fitness, and overweight bosses are likely to be seen as less competent and strong than their trimmer counterparts. "We have stereotypes about fat, so when we see a senior executive who's overweight, our initial reaction isn't positive," says leadership professor Barry Posner. The Wall Street Journal
(1/15)
- Employers must address growing disability costs
As people live and work longer, disability will become a greater cost concern for employers, write Marcia Carruthers, Clare Miller and Cyndy Nayer. They suggest several solutions to deal with the issue, including communicating employee-assistance-program benefits better and using wellness programs to be more proactive in targeting health issues in workers. Human Resource Executive
(1/15)
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ACC urges more action to promote competitive freight rail service
The American Chemistry Council, along with other shipper groups, recently submitted comments urging the Surface Transportation Board to adopt policies that promote an economically strong and competitive freight rail system and that foster a stronger U.S. economy. In particular, ACC expressed its concerns with STB's proposed changes in a rate case rulemaking under the docket Ex Parte 715. STB opened the docket last year after examining an array of rail competition issues under Ex Parte 705. Read ACC's statement or view the full comments.
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Plastics don't belong in oceans; industry taking action on marine debris
The University of California at Davis yesterday announced a study of chemical absorption by plastics in the ocean environment. The following statement may be attributed to Keith Christman, managing director of plastics markets for the American Chemistry Council.
"Plastics don't belong in the ocean -- and plastic makers are working to keep litter from reaching our oceans and to learn more about the potential effects of existing marine litter. Through the American Chemistry Council, America's plastics makers helped lead the development of the industry's Global Declaration on Solutions for Marine Litter, which has been signed by nearly 60 plastics associations in 34 countries."
Read more from ACC on marine debris. Learn more about efforts on marine litter.
 | Admiration is a very short-lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object; unless it be still fed with fresh discoveries, and kept alive by a perpetual succession of miracles rising into view."
--Joseph Addison,
British writer and politician
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