Plastics manufacturers are expanding along the Gulf Coast and in Pennsylvania and the Midwest because of high demand, low costs and technological innovation, writes Dan Emerson. Packaging, automotive and housing are all areas of growth for plastics.

Cabot Microelectronics will pay $1.6 billion in cash and stock to purchase KMG Chemicals. The deal's value minus debt is $1.23 billion.

BASF recently held a three-day workshop to help engineering faculty incorporate process safety into lessons and equip students to be chemical engineers. BASF designed the event with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' Center for Chemical Process Safety.

SABIC has partnered with design group Nottingham Spirk to find new roles for its line of specialty thermoplastics.

The Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards have helped the US build a strong culture for chemical safety while deterring attacks, says David Wulf, head of DHS' Infrastructure Security and Compliance Division. CFATS expires this year unless reauthorized by Congress.

Environmental Protection Agency acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler is expected to make key science-related decisions in the weeks to come, including nominations for advisory boards. Wheeler could also revisit former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's rule affecting the use of science when creating regulations.

A reformed North American Free Trade Agreement must retain provisions that protect US jobs and investments, such as the Investor State Dispute Settlement, writes Mario Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund.

Chemical firms face a challenge in getting new employees up to speed on sensor technologies and liquid analysis, writes Jason Dalebroux of Emerson Automation Solutions. He offers seven steps for improving the learning process.

Plastic-bag recycling in Connecticut's Greater Hartford region has increased 11% since the American Chemistry Council launched its Wrap Recycling Action Program there last year. "Like WRAP campaigns conducted in other areas, Connecticut demonstrated that a dedicated team of recycling advocates can make a difference," says ACC's Shari Jackson.

Facilities that use chemicals designated as a chemical of interest are under the jurisdiction of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards and have about two months to schedule a screening process, writes Amanda Topping. She explains the key steps that such facilities must take.