ACC Welcomes Confirmation of Gov. Leavitt to Lead EPA 8/13/2003
From: Morrie Goodman of the American Chemistry Council, 703-741-5580; e-mail: morrie_goodman@americanchemistry.com web: http://www.accnewsmedia.com ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 13 -- Following is a statement by the American Chemistry Council (ACC): The president's appointment of Utah Governor Mike Leavitt to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is clear recognition of the importance of the complex range of issues facing our nation's environment. Gov. Leavitt has not only given these issues a lot of thought as evidenced by his Enlibra Principles, but he also has a proven track record of implementing policies that protect the environment while promoting economic growth. "The chemical industry looks forward to Gov. Leavitt's confirmation as our nation's top environmental official," said Greg Lebedev, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. "Environmental policies have become more complicated today than ever before," Lebedev continued, "but we are confident that Gov. Leavitt will apply creative solutions that protect our air, land, water and health, as well as protecting our economy." Today's chemical industry complies with a dizzying array of environmental regulations. New proposals, from the Administration's Clear Skies Initiative to the European Union's REACH proposal on chemical regulation, make environmental compliance increasingly elaborate and complex. An approach to regulation that recognizes environmental quality and economic growth compliment each other is a legacy of Gov. Leavitt's leadership in Utah, which he brings to the nation's environmental agenda. The influence of environmental policy on how energy is produced and consumed is just one example of a complicated problem in need of a creative solution. On one hand, air quality policies are creating greater demand for natural gas to generate power and heat homes. On the other hand, land use policies are limiting access to proven gas reserves which is depleting our nation's critical natural gas supplies. Gov. Leavitt has a rare opportunity to create a defining concern, understanding that a cleaner environment requires an abundant and affordable supply of natural gas. Gov. Leavitt recognizes that there is a right way and a wrong way to achieve environmental protection. With its REACH proposal, Europe is heading in the wrong way by mandating a massive, inflexible command-and-control model. In contrast, Gov. Leavitt has done things the right way: by forming partnerships and solving problems. The chemical industry already works in collaboration with EPA to test high-production volume chemicals, to conduct long-range research on chemicals in the environment, and to strengthen the role of science in public policy decision-making. "We look forward to continuing this collaboration under Gov. Leavitt's seasoned and innovative leadership at EPA to make our industry's stewardship of the environment effective and efficient," said Lebedev. --- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $460 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies invest more in research and development than any other business sector. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure. |