Washington, U.S.A. — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) hosted on June 28th a forum, “Unlocking the Vast Potential of Energy Recovery,” on Capitol Hill. Cal Dooley, ACC president and CEO, was joined by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and a panel of business leaders and experts.

At June 28th event, experts discussed expanded use of energy recovery as an abundant and alternative energy source, policymakers outlined legislative strategies for boosting private sector investments, and industry leaders highlighted the latest emerging trends and technologies for recovering energy from waste.

The energy potential of municipal solid waste is significant and critical to America’s long-term energy future. Recent research from Columbia University’s Earth Engineering Center determined that if all the municipal solid waste produced in the United States were diverted from landfills to waste-to-energy facilities, it could produce 162 MWh of electricity, enough to power 16.2 million households every year.

“Energy recovery should be a key component of our nation’s comprehensive energy strategy,” said Cal Dooley. “We cannot afford to continue to bury this important part of America’s energy future in landfills. Recent innovations and breakthroughs in a range of energy recovery technologies are making that future possible. Non-recycled plastics and other discarded materials can be used to produce electricity, synthetic gas, and solid and liquid fuels to help power America’s homes and businesses.”
Senator Wyden and Congressman Cassidy led a keynote congressional panel that focused on strategies to encourage federal and state policymakers to enact remedies to bolster energy recovery.

“Government has an important role to play in helping to unlock the vast energy potential of municipal solid waste,” Dooley continued. “Senator Wyden and Congressman Cassidy are leaders in recognizing the potential of these technologies, which could bring real environmental and economic benefits to communities, and with wide scale adoption, would boost our nation’s energy security.”

A panel discussion followed the keynote congressional panel and included waste management expert Harvey Gershman, president & co-founder, Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.; Barry Caldwell of Waste Management, Inc.; Marco Castaldi, Ph.D., of Columbia University; Michael E. Webber, Ph.D., of theUniversity of Texas at Austin; and Brent Bostwick of Agilyx, an Oregon-based firm that is commercializing technology that turns non-recycled plastics into crude oil.

The policy forum, which focused on innovative technologies that convert waste into energy, fuels and feedstocks, is the most recent event in ACC’s “From Chemistry to Energy” campaign. ACC advocates for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs. Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for communities.

Image Courtesy of  American Chemistry Council

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced the launch of a new energy advocacy and awareness campaign, From Chemistry to Energy. Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO, was joined by members of Congress and business leaders at an event on Capitol Hill.

“In order for our economy to grow, U.S. industries to innovate and compete globally, and businesses to create new jobs, a national energy strategy is critical,” said Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO.  “Through this campaign, we will promote the development of sound energy policies that support these goals, while highlighting chemistry’s role in enabling a strong, secure and sustainable future for the United States.”

Americans agree that a national energy strategy is needed.  According to a recent national survey conducted by Washington-based Clarus Research Group, an overwhelming majority of voters (94 percent) believe that a “comprehensive energy policy is essential to building a strong economy, creating new jobs, and making America more competitive with other countries.” To view the full survey findings, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com.

“Many people don’t realize that the chemistry industry is the foundation of America’s manufacturing sector,” said Jim Gallogly, CEO of LyondellBasell.  “Chemistry creates the basic building blocks for countless products Americans rely on every day, as well as 96 percent of all manufactured goods made in the U.S.A.  Abundant, affordable domestic natural gas has created a new competitive edge for American chemistry, and it’s driving a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing.”

“America’s chemistry industry is a technology and materials innovator and can play a central role in meeting energy challenges,” said Gary W. Spitzer, President, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts. “At DuPont, we are intensely focused on using science to address major challenges, including the need for abundant, affordable and increasingly clean energy.

We offer solutions that enable renewable energy technologies as well as reduced energy consumption, and we continuously improve our own energy efficiency.  These efforts reflect the kinds of contributions being made across our industry.”

A recent ACC study found that the use of chemistry in energy-saving products and technologies helps save up to 10.9 quadrillion Btus of energy annually, enough to power up to 56 million households or up to 135 million vehicles each year, and saving Americans up to $85 billion in energy costs annually.

ACC will be advocating for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs.  Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for the business of chemistry.

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