The Environmental Management Committee of the Chemical Manufacturers Association is “managing” The Environmental Regulatory Arena Affecting the Chemical Industry

The Environmental Management Committee of the Chemical Manufacturers Association is “managing” The Environmental Regulatory Arena Affecting the Chemical Industry

Charles L. Sercu, Chairman
Environmental Management Committee

Presented to the Board of Directors
Chemical Manufacturers Association

September 5, 1979

This is an internal industry document from the PBS documentary, “Trade Secrets.” This was discovered in the Ross Archives and illustrates the origin of chemical industry strategy to combat proposed regulations. This internal document was never released to public but was discovered in a lawsuit. PBS Trade Secrets created a documentary about suppressed health studies by Big oil, chemical and the emerging plastics industries. This was the first time these internal documents were shown to public. There was a strategic plan to withhold important public health information regarding chemicals and chemical exposure. This document details the strategic plan and war declaration against United States newly formed regulatory agency the Environmental Protection Agency. To view the full document click below.

The Environmental Management Committee of the Chemical Manufacturers Association is “managing” The Environmental Regulatory Arena Affecting the Chemical Industry

Gentlemen, this is a campaign that has the dimension and detail of a war. Let me explain.

The Legislature and Regulatory Process (Figure 9) is fairly understood by all of us. Industry’s shortcoming has been IN NOT participating in all of the steps in this process. We must participate at every step, all the time, in this process. page 6

The allowable maleic anhydride plants is proposed to be set at zero under the New Source Performance Standards, forcing a shift away from benzene technology!!” page 8

Gentlemen, this is a campaign that has the dimension and detail of a war. This is a war–not a battle. The dollars expended on offense are token compared to future costs. We must get the bad parts out of the regulations. page 22

The Chemical Manufacturers Association was successful because they united and strategically planned and participated at every step of the legislation and regulatory process. The money they spent paid off.

TRI DATA REPORT – US FACILITIES – BENZENE EMISSIONS – 2008

It was successful at elimination of the proposed benzene emission standard of zero. U.S. Benzene Releases – 4,288,175 Pounds in 2008.

The Environmental Management Committee of the Chemical Manufacturers Association is “managing” The Environmental Regulatory Arena Affecting the Chemical Industry – Complete Report