Ohio's Chemistry Industry Applauds Senator Rob Portman for Leadership on Energy Efficiency Bill, Urges Senate Committee Passage

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tomorrow the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is expected to mark up the "Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness (ESIC) Act of 2011" (S. 1000). The bill was introduced by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) on May 12.

Ohio Chemistry Technology Council President Jack R. Pounds issued the following statement:

"As an industry that creates innovative, energy-saving materials and products, Ohio's chemistry companies commend Senator Portman once again for his leadership on this bipartisan energy efficiency bill, which provides several ways to help Americans save energy and money, while creating jobs.

"Ohio's chemical companies are leaders in energy efficiency.  We invent and make products used in building insulation, appliances, lightweight vehicle parts, windows, engine lubricants, compact fluorescent light bulbs, energy storage systems, thermal coatings and many others. Our advancements have helped to make the state a global center for research, development, and commercialization of high-technology chemistry.

"The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act will achieve energy savings across the economy, including buildings, appliances and manufacturing. We encourage the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to approve the bill, and applaud Senator Portman for making energy efficiency a prominent item on the nation's energy policy agenda."

BACKGROUND: The Ohio Chemistry Technology Council is the statewide trade association for Ohio's chemistry industry—which employs some 46,000 Ohioans at more than 700 locations.  Members of the Council include large, medium, and small companies engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of chemistry technology in Ohio.  The Council supports the industry through advocacy, outreach, education, and member services programs.

Ohio's chemistry industry is a $20 billion plus high-technology industry that competes globally.  Its employees enjoy wages and benefits that are much higher than those of the average Ohio worker.

SOURCE Ohio Chemistry Technology Council