Spray Foam Coalition Comments On California's Final ‘Priority Products List’ Workshop

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 16, 2014 – The California Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) Safer Consumer Products Program held its final workshop in Los Angeles on the initial Priority Products list before the official rulemaking process begins later this year. The Spray Foam Coalition, a self-funded group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), released the following statement after the workshop:

"The Spray Foam Coalition, a self-funded group of the American Chemistry Council, represents manufacturers of materials used in Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF). Research demonstrates that SPF increases energy efficiency, provides cost savings on heating and cooling bills and helps decrease the level of harmful carbon dioxide emissions entering our environment. SPF offers a unique set of benefits that can help California achieve its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals, while strengthening building structures and lowering energy costs for many of the state’s residents.

"Spray foam insulation can save the average California single-family household an estimated $900 each year on heating and cooling costs by acting as a barrier to prevent energy waste from air leaks, cracks and gaps. Similarly, a typical California business in a strip mall or one-story office building could save more than $11,000 per year in heating and cooling costs by using SPF insulation on its roof..

"Nearly 3,600 single-family homes were built last year in California using SPF insulation, resulting in estimated combined cost savings of up to $3.3 million annually. Energy savings from these homes insulated with SPF could eliminate 800,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the California environment over the life expectancy of the homes. This is equivalent to removing approximately 2,700 cars from California’s roads every year.

"We have provided DTSC with scientific data and detailed information on comprehensive industry safety and product stewardship programs, as well as the environmental and other benefits of SPF, at all three separate public workshops. We now look forward to the department reviewing this information, which confirms that SPF has been inappropriately placed on the Priority Products list and should be removed."

About The American Chemistry Council: The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $770 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for twelve percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure. For more information, please use the contact information and links provided below.