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WASHINGTON, DC -- Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1215, the Green Chemistry Research and Development Act. The bill codifies current federal efforts that encourage "green chemistry." Green chemistry refers to the development of products and manufacturing processes that are safer, contain fewer toxic compounds, and make better use of recycled materials.
"Unfortunately today very few chemists and chemical engineers are exposed to green chemistry in their undergraduate and graduate studies" said Congressman David Wu. "This lack of training becomes a barrier to the adoption and the use of green chemistry in industrial products or processes. My amendment will increase educational and training opportunities and will help in reducing hazardous waste."
Congressman Wu's amendment will expand education and training of undergraduate and graduate students, professional chemists and chemical engineers in green chemistry science and engineering through partnerships between companies in the chemical industry and colleges and universities. The partnerships between the academic community and industry will ensure that courses of study are relevant to industry.
Both the University of Oregon and Portland State University currently incorporate the practice of green chemistry into science courses.
The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
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