Ep. 195 - America's Chemical Industry: Innovation, AI & Manufacturing Competitiveness

How can the United States strengthen manufacturing, accelerate innovation, and remain globally competitive? On this special episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer sits down with three leaders from the American Chemistry Council's Competitiveness Summit for a series of conversations on the future of American manufacturing, energy, innovation, and regulatory policy. Featured guests include Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council; Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO of Huntsman Corporation; and Rebecca Liebert, President and CEO of Lubrizol Corporation. Together, the guests discuss why the chemical industry serves as the foundation for countless American industries—from semiconductors and AI to healthcare, transportation, defense, and consumer products—and what policymakers can do to ensure the United States remains a global leader in manufacturing. The conversation covers: America's manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain resilience AI, advanced materials, and the future of industrial innovation Regulatory reform, permitting, and the need for science-based policy Energy policy, data centers, and growing electricity demand Global competition with China and lessons from Europe The role of chemistry in powering America's next generation of growth The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, accelerating scientific research, improving chemical safety assessments, and helping companies develop new products faster than ever before. Throughout the episode, the guests explain why modern chemistry touches nearly every aspect of daily life and argue that balanced regulation, abundant energy, and continued innovation will be critical to maintaining America's competitive advantage for decades to come. 00:00 — Intro & American Chemistry Council Competitiveness Summit 01:50 — Chris Jahn: America's chemical industry today 08:38 — Regulatory reform and permitting challenges 11:13 — AI, innovation, and the future of chemistry 16:03 — Peter Huntsman on manufacturing competitiveness 20:20 — Energy policy, AI, and global competition 24:43 — Rebecca Liebert on specialty chemicals and innovation 27:47 — Science-based regulation and permitting reform 30:06 — The future of chemistry in America 31:24 — Closing remarks Follow us on social mediaX: @TheLunchHourPodInstagram: the_lunchhour_podLinkedIn: Lunch Hour PodcastTikTok: lunchhourpod Find more at Washington SignalYour source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism.https://washingtonsignal.com/