OSTP Improves the Federal Definition of ‘Sustainable Chemistry’ Public Comment DEADLINE: June 3, 2022
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Office of Science and Technology Policy, a part of the Executive Office of the President, is taking action to improve the federal definition of “sustainable chemistry” via a public comment period that is open through June 3.
The OSTP published a notice of request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register on April 4 requesting input from interested parties on sustainable chemistry to guide future federal efforts.
“The term ‘sustainable chemistry’ does not have a consensus definition and most uses of the term indicate that it is synonymous with ‘green chemistry,’” the OSTP said in the notice. “Therefore, information is requested on the preferred definition for sustainable chemistry. OSTP requests comments on how the definition of sustainable chemistry could impact the following: The role of technology, federal policies that may aid or hinder sustainable chemistry initiatives, future research to advance sustainable chemistry, financial and economic considerations, and federal agency efforts.”
The notice explains that publications and legislation have typically treated the terms “sustainable chemistry” and “green chemistry” synonymously. However, green chemistry has traditionally focused on hazardous substances, while sustainable chemistry has been used in the context of both hazardous and non-hazardous substances, according to the OSTP.
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A full copy of the notice is available on the Federal Register website. READ MORE