Chemical manufacturers and suppliers working together for the future of Texas . . .

Overview

ACIT is composed of businesses that share a symbiotic relationship with the Texas chemical industry. Combined, these companies act as a support system for the chemical industry, while the industry provides them with a strong marketplace. Members realize that severe economic damage to any one of the groups associated with the chemical industry causes adverse effects for the others.

Industry needs to monitor and provide input on many issues that impact Texas. These include:

Environmental Issues
The industry must maintain its continuous progress in waste and release reduction.
Priority should be given to:

  • Source reduction;
  • Recycling/reusing; and
  • Treatment as a way of doing business

Environmental activism is still growing and gathering momentum. Legislation can be motivated too easily by emotion, overlooking science and fact.

Safety Issues
Industry members must continue to work together for the manufacturing, handling, transporting, and disposal of chemical products to provide:

  • Employee training;
  • Risk assessment; and
  • Hazard evaluation

The industry must be allowed to continue to engage in practices that protect the safety and health of employees, contractors, and the public.

Electric Competition
The chemical industry must be able to stay competitive within today's global market. Electricity is the largest uncontrolled operating cost for chemical facilities. Deregulation of the electric utility industry would let all consumers choose their electricity providers based upon price, dependability, and quality of service, and give all companies more control over the cost of doing business in Texas.

Increasing competition among electric utilities would benefit not only the state's chemical industry, but all Texans.

Tax Issues
By any measure, the Texas chemical industry is massive. It seems every other year, the industry becomes a key target for new taxes. Texas' business tax situation is inequitable. Business pays 60 percent of the state's taxes, while other sources combine for 40 percent. For other states the reverse is true. For chemical plants, Texas has the highest state and local taxes among several competing industrial states.

The notion of continuing to raise taxes at the expense of Texas business is a situation that could stifle economic development, dry up company expansion dollars, and ultimately overwhelm the state.

Tort Reform
Texas must continue to bring reason and equity back to its civil justice system.
Specifically, we need to:

  • stop the import of out-of-state lawsuits into Texas courts,
  • reform workers' compensation third-party cases, and
  • change the special rules which currently allow "toxic torts" to
  • be favored for easier access to "deep pockets."

Committees
Activities / Membership
Encourages ACIT member involvement in the Texas chemical industry and its related businesses through regional activities. Enhances ACIT members' knowledge and understanding of the Texas chemical industry and its related businesses.

Governmental Affairs
Educates and involves ACIT members in the political process to create a favorable impact on governmental action.

EHS Seminar
Environment, Health, Safety Seminar —Prepares and presents an annual conference to improve the safety of Texas chemical industry operations and related businesses.

Membership
Recruits and maintains membership in ACIT by demonstrating value of member participation.

Outreach
For questions regarding a committee, please contact Darlyne Harlan.