According to the company’s website press release on November 30, 2022, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) commends the U.S. House vote to approve House Joint Resolution 100, which adopts the Tentative Agreement brokered between union leadership and railroads in September.
“We applaud the swift bipartisan action in the House to head off a shutdown of the rail network,” said Chris Jahn, ACC’s president and CEO.
“Without a final solution from Congress, in less than a week, railroads will begin suspending shipments of chemicals that are vital to disinfecting water, producing food and refining gasoline. There is no time to waste. We urge the Senate to act quickly and approve the legislation passed by the House that implements the terms of the Tentative Agreement.” Chris Jahn, ACC President and CEO
The threat of rail service embargoes come at a time when major supply chain problems continue to significantly disrupt chemical manufacturing, including a sharp decline in rail service. These ongoing problems make it extremely challenging for companies to use alternative modes of transportation to ship chemicals.
U.S. chemical manufacturers are one of largest users of freight rail – shipping more than 33,000 carloads per week worth $2.8 billion. Many chemical facilities would be forced to curtail production or shut down within the first week of a rail service embargo.
American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the multibillion-dollar business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products, technologies and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health, safety and security performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy addressing major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. ACC members and chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development, and are advancing products, processes and technologies to address climate change, enhance air and water quality, and progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy.
