Nearly 120 members of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution are gathering on Capitol Hill for ACD’s annual Washington Fly-In.

Participants will meet with lawmakers to discuss issues impacting the chemical distribution industry and hear from officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Attendees also will urge Congress to advance legislation and policies that strengthen the chemical supply chain, support chemical distribution and promote long-term economic stability.

“ACD members are navigating a particularly uncertain set of circumstances, pummeled by rising costs and geopolitical crises,” said Eric R. Byer, president and CEO of ACD. “Our annual fly-in is an unparalleled opportunity for federal policymakers to hear from the men and women who deliver the chemical products essential to Americans’ daily lives, most of whom are small businesses owners.”

Key issues for this year’s Fly-In include the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, the Railway Safety Act and regulatory compliance. ACD said the proposed merger, which is on the Surface Transportation Board’s review docket, could increase costs for manufacturers, businesses and consumers while worsening operational challenges for shippers.

The association also is urging Congress to pass legislation that would make safety, service and workforce improvements to the freight rail system. ACD said chemical distributors depend on reliable rail service to move products used across U.S. industry.

ACD members also will encourage lawmakers to visit chemical facilities in their districts and states. The association said its members operate in all 50 states, with more than 4,300 facilities, and follow the ACD Responsible Distribution program for environmental, health, safety and security standards.

“Our members are at the front lines of the chemical distribution industry, making them intimately aware of the day-to-day impact of the policies coming out of Washington. I’m confident the conversations that will take place this week will translate to tangible change on Capitol Hill,” continued Byer. “The chemical distribution industry touches nearly every corner of the economy. We urge Congress to support commonsense policies that will ensure the U.S. chemical supply chain remains secure and competitive.”

ACD represents more than 400 chemical distribution industry members.

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