The Chemistry of Energy
The products of chemistry enable Delaware’s efforts to improve energy efficiency—from insulation to coolants to packaging, the products of chemistry help save energy every day. Chemistry also is the source of many innovative technologies that drive cleaner energy options, create green jobs and propel U.S. economic growth.
To meet our nation’s economic and environmental goals, CICD supports a comprehensive national energy strategy that promotes and develops all of America’s own energy resources including conventional and shale natural gas, oil, wind, nuclear, solar, etc., while also promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources, such as energy recovery.
Three energy sources—domestic natural gas from shale formations, energy efficiency and energy recovery from plastics—can help America reach energy security and environmental goals. At the same time, these energy sources will promote growth in America’s chemistry industry and create opportunity for a broad range of industries, while driving the creation of new jobs.
Given federal and state budget realities, public policies must look beyond traditional government subsidies and identify new ways to encourage energy efficiency, as well as alternative and renewable energy technologies. At the same time, government policies must not undermine the availability of domestic natural gas.
Chemistry in the Environment
Delaware’s chemical makers create innovative products that help protect the environment, from fuel additives to lightweight, recyclable plastic packaging to “scrubbers” at coal-fired power plants that dramatically reduce pollution. In fact, a groundbreaking study in 2009 by McKinsey & Company found that products of chemistry save twice the greenhouse gas emissions than are emitted making the products.
We employ this innovative spirit at our own facilities by supporting the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative. Among the results: From 1989 to 2016, Responsible Care companies have reduced hazardous releases to the air, land and water by 84 percent.
But there is more to be done. While we continuously improve our own performance, we also advocate cost-effective laws and regulations that improve our state’s overall environmental performance and provide clear direction for manufacturing in Delaware.
Delaware’s environmental policies must promote the shared national goal of a healthy environment while encouraging innovation and high-skilled, high-paying jobs in the business of chemistry here at home.