For a generation of leaders and managers in business and government, the recession is a spectacular and largely unprecedented challenge. In these troubled times of lay-offs, foreclosures and bailouts some pundits suggest the economic world will never be the same.

For the members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), one thing is clear -- policymakers, industry and the public must start playing on the same team. America needs from the new Obama administration and new Congress a public policy approach that treats the chemical industry as an asset and not a threat, an essential vehicle of change and not an obstacle, a partner and not an adversary. In turn, the industry is expected to do even more in crucial areas of chemicals management, plant security and product safety.

Last year, the $664 billion chemical industry supported 4% of the U.S. workforce including our 863,000 employees plus 4.8 million indirect jobs. Chemical products accounted for 10% of the nation's exports and touched 96% of U.S. manufactured goods. As industry plant closings make headlines, the numbers next year likely will reflect reduced production, lower sales, fewer jobs and diminished exports.

Restoring the economy and shoring up our industry's global position will require greater cooperation between government and industry. Yet, in the face of economic upheaval, the industry's public policy goals for tomorrow are very much those of today. What's different today is not what we seek, but how urgently we need it.

We must partner with the new administration and Congress to achieve these essential goals:

Energy and Climate Change -- America Needs a 21st Century Energy Policy

The dramatic swings in energy prices over the last two years, and the rise in energy prices over the last decade, are proof positive that America needs a comprehensive national energy plan that will continue to increase energy efficiency and conservation, promote alternative and renewable technologies and expand access to domestic energy supplies.

While energy is crucial to the chemical industry, the business of chemistry is essential to the nation's efforts to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Chemistry makes possible the next generation of energy-saving products including building insulation, lightweight vehicle parts, solar panels, wind turbines, compact fluorescent light bulbs, low rolling resistance tires, automotive and industrial lubricants, thermal roof coatings, energy-efficient appliances and much more.

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