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This section offers news briefs on the chemical industry as of November 2023. Topics include the pre-closing regulatory approvals received by Arcadium Lithium PLC, the holding company that will result from the proposed merger of Allkem Ltd. with Livent, the partnership between NuScale Power Corp. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the licensing and engineering agreement signed by Lummus Technology LLC and Citroniq Chemicals LLQ.

The article looks at the vision of the European Commission (EC) of a sustainable future that is based on the establishment of a common framework that promotes the "circular economy: a zero-waste program for Europe." A definition of the circular economy is given, along with its process from the consumption of resources to the recycling of the products. The legislative proposal adopted by the EC to review recycling and other waste-related goals in the European Union is discussed.

Focuses on the enforcement of environmental regulations for Brazil's chemical industry. Adherence of multinational corporations to the country's environmental standards; Environmental projects for municipal water treatment; Site remediation in the private sector.

This article reports on the decision of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. The legislation would restrict the power of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using authority under the Clean Air Act. Representative Fred Upton said the bill will allow energy and environmental policies that create jobs.

The article deals with the efforts of the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the proposed Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in April 2006. Information on Senators supporting the investigation are included. The impact of TRI on federal programs is emphasized. Changes suggested by legislators in TRI are stated.

Deals with the decision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reopen its December 2002 final rule that overhauled the agency's New Source Review (NSR) program. Information on the NSR program; Requirement set by the rule for chemical facilities; Purpose of the agency for reopening the comment period of the program.

Reports on the suggestion of Bradley Campbell, commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection, that the market-based program for trading emissions of volatile organic compounds should be scrapped. Basis for suggestion.

Reports that the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has proposed a controversial security rule for transporters of hazardous materials, which would impose paperwork requirements that industry groups say are unnecessary. Requirement included in the plan; Reaction of an industry lobbyist to the rule.

Reports that a dispute over how to add chemicals to an international treaty on persistent organic pollutants (POP) could prevent its U.S. Senate ratification in 2002. Objection to a proposal by Senator James Jeffords (I.-Vt.); POP the United Nations is studying; Criticism of the plan of U.S. President George W. Bush by environmental groups.

Reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a Texas State Implementation Plan submitted by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) that seeks to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the Houston, Texas area by 2007. Components of the plan; Basis of the proposal; Plan of the TNRCC to set up a cap-and-trade program for NOx emissions.

Focuses on the criticism of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change to the plan of U.S. President George W. Bush to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as of February 2002. Chemical companies that compose the Pew Center; Industry group which oppose all caps on carbon dioxide; Implication of carbon dioxide mandates for chemical companies.

Focuses on the actions taken by the European Parliament on several proposals to tighten environmental regulations contained in the European Commission's white paper on future chemical policies. Information on amendments to the proposals; Details on the approved clauses; Significance of the Parliament's actions.

Reports that the environment committee of the European Parliament has endorsed proposals made by Inger Schoerling, a Swedish member of parliament, to tighten environmental regulations for chemicals in the European Union. Reaction of Cefic on the decision of the committee.

Discusses the decision of United States President George W. Bush to reverse his policy on climate change by turning against his plans to impose regulations on carbon dioxide emissions. Reactions of environmental groups and members of the Democratic party to the president's decision; Authorization granted by Bush to administration officials to restart negotiations with other nations in summer 20001 about the Kyoto Protocol.

Reports that an advisory from the United States Environmental Protection Agency has finalized an agreement that freezes federal drinking water standards for disinfection byproducts. Alternative action that was taken; Chemical industry groups which have signed the agreement; Stance of environmentalists.

Focuses on the environmental policy reform in European Union. Promotion of the European Parliament on the reform; Details on the concerns of the industry; Priorities of European Union policy Views from industry officials and oppositionists.

Opinion. Comments on the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) initiation of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for the addition, delisting and redefinition of chemicals. Impact of TRI on the chemical industry's efforts in reducing releases and transfers of toxic chemicals; Chemical Manufacturers Association's (CMA) success in reducing releases, transfers and underground injections of toxic chemicals in 1993-1994.

Reports on United States President Bill Clinton's declaration of his commitment to protect the country's communities from toxics by the year 2000. Call on Congress to reinstate Superfund taxes.

Report on United States Vice President Al Gore's proposal for a national environmental strategy that lays out incentives for developing and using green technology. National goal of cutting waste; Aims of federal government to achieve the goal; Support for environmental technologies; Number of jobs produced by the federal environmental policies.

Reports on Belgium's opposition to the European Parliament's proposed amendments to the Environmental Council's packaging directive. Comments from Belgian environment minister Jacques Santkin; Common positions on the waste dumping program; Early elimination of ozone depleting substances; Other provisions introduced into the common position.

Reports on the disagreements regarding the European Commission's proposals for controlling ozone-depleting hydrofluorochlorocarbons (HCFC) and methyl bromide. Examination of proposals by national expert within the council; Schedule for banning HCFCs; France's reluctance to apply measures than those projected by the Montreal Protocol.

Reports that biotechnology seed marketers have been warned by the British government's Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) to abide by regulations on genetically modified crop trials. Violations made by the companies; Penalty imposed on the companies failing to comply with the regulations; Most common violation committed.

Focuses on the enforcement by the Labour Party of an environmental policy to chemical producers in Britain. Details on the environmental policy; Information on pollution taxes; Views of German producers on a similar policy in Germany.

Reports on the British Environment Agency's introduction of an environmental quality standard for suspected synthetic estrogen nonylphenol.