Eight senators last week announced the formation of a new group to assess issues related to chemistry and the nation's chemical sector.

The Senate Chemistry Caucus, members said, would provide a bipartisan forum to discuss chemistry and its economic impacts, as well as facilitate policies that encourage science education and innovation in chemical manufacturing.

The group will be helmed by co-chairs Chris Coons, D-Del., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V. -- whose states are home to major chemical companies, including DuPont and Dow and Steve Daines, R-Mont. and a chemical engineer by trade.

We cant predict what the next big thing will be, but every day the field of chemistry is making groundbreaking discoveries that can grow our economy and improve our daily lives," Peters said in a statement. "Im proud to help launch the bipartisan Senate Chemistry Caucus to encourage scientific research, spur new innovation and promote safety in the chemical industry.

Other members include John Boozman, R-Ark., John Neely Kennedy, R-La., Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and Joe Manchin, D-W.V.

The Senate caucus follows a House chemistry caucus founded last summer by Reps. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Daniel Lipinski, R-Ill. The Congressional Chemistry Caucus now has more than 35 members.

Chemical industry groups lauded the formation of the caucus at "a very pivotal moment for the chemical industry and manufacturing."

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Bipartisan Lawmakers Announce Senate Chemistry Caucus - Chem.Info