July-September 2019 Quarterly Recap The Act4Chemistry Legislative Action Network is the American Chemical Society's program supports its members, local sections, and other groups interested in engaging with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. Here you can find an update on our activities for this quarter and opportunities to be involved. _______________________________________________________________________ Take Action - Ask Congress to Support Solar, Wind, and Fossil Energy R&D Acts of 2019. These three pieces of legislation (H.R. 3597, the Solar Energy Research & Development Act; H.R. 3607, the Fossil Energy Research & Development Act; and H.R. 3609, the Wind Energy Research & Development Act) would support further research and development on new energy technologies, leading to improvements in solar and wind technologies and advances in emissions reduction for fossil fuels. The ACS strongly endorsed Representative Lipinski's (D-IL-03) amendment to H.R. 3597, calling for the incorporation of sustainable chemistry principles as research and development of solar energy technology continues. The ACS also strongly endorsed Representative Foster's (D-IL-11) amendment to H.R. 3607, which would prioritize research to improve isolation and separation of helium from fossil fuels. Take action.
- Ask Congress to Support the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019. This legislation encourages sustainable thinking from start to finish in the chemistry enterprise has been reintroduced in the House and Senate. This legislation creates an interagency panel to coordinate federal sustainable chemistry efforts, supports public-private partnerships, and boosts investment in federal research. The House recently held a legislative hearing on this bill, help us continue to build momentum by urging your legislators to cosponsor H.R. 2051 and S. 999. Take action.
Congressional Recap - On July 23rd, the House passed H.R. 36, Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019. The legislation calls for research into the causes and consequences of sexual harassment and gender harassment in the STEM workforce and establishes an interagency working group for the purpose of coordinating Federal science agency efforts to reduce its prevalence. We encourage you to contact your Senators in support of its equivalent in the Senate (S. 1067).
- On July 25th, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing about sustainable chemistry. To watch the hearing, click here.
- On September 19th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1396, Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act. The legislation honors Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, as well as all the women who contributed to NASA's success in the Space Race. With your numerous letters urging for support, the House finally passed its bill.
- On September 26th, the Senate passed H.R. 4378, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019. This continuing resolution (CR) extends federal government funding through November 21st at FY 2019 levels and avoids a government shutdown at the end of the month. The President must now sign the CR to avoid a shutdown on September 30th.
Federal Agency Update - On September 11th, the Department of Energy issued a noticesoliciting nominees for the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. Nominations are due by October 4. If you are interested in applying, submit materials to NQIAC**At_Symbol_Here**science.doe.gov.
- On Wednesday September 25th, the Energy and Public Works Committee held a Confirmation Hearing for Chair of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Dr. Katherine Lemos. ACS sent a letter thanking the committee for its work filling the board.
What's Going on in D.C.? - The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI), in conjunction with the House Manufacturing Caucus, hosted a special briefing on September 25th from 12:00 to 1:30PM in 2325 Rayburn House Office Building: How Federal Investments in Science Created a Revolution: The Story of 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing.
- The National Academies' of Sciences Innovation Policy Forum, in cooperation with the Manufacturing Policy Initiative (MPI) at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, held a workshop on September 26th to discuss application of AI in government and industry.
- On October 23rd from 6:00-8:00PM, the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, in collaboration with the ACS, American Chemistry Council, the National Association of Chemical Distributors, the American Cleaning Institute, and the Distilled Spirits Council will host a briefing and reception on the Chemistry of Distillation.
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