Ohio's Chemistry Industry Commends Senator Rob Portman for Introducing Energy Efficiency Bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the "Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness (ESIC) Act of 2011" yesterday.

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 for his leadership in developing this bipartisan energy efficiency bill.  It 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.

"In today's highly competitive global marketplace, being energy-efficient at our own manufacturing plants helps reduce costs and maintain our U.S. production and jobs.  The domestic chemistry industry improved energy efficiency by 56 percent since 1974, and 33 percent since 1990.  In 2010, American chemistry companies implemented energy efficiency improvements that saved 14.8 trillion BTUs – enough to power the homes of Akron, Ohio's 210,000 residents for one year.

"The Energy Savings Act contains important provisions to achieve energy savings across the economy. The energy building codes provision encourages more energy efficiency in new homes.  It will encourage states to implement stronger codes.  Meanwhile, the appliance standards provisions will help consumers reduce their utility bills while stretching the nation's natural gas and electricity supplies.

"The manufacturing energy efficiency program will help America's energy-intensive industries save energy, and therefore compete more effectively in global markets.  It can pave the way for additional programs to harness the potential of industrial energy efficiency."

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