ABSTRACT
Most chemical industry analysts, foresee a shift first back to coal and then, once again, to the natural renewable resources referred to as biomass. The chemical industry is familiar with the technology of converting coal to organic chemicals, and a readily available supply exists. The chemical industry is one of the largest and most important in the world today. The technologies of genetic engineering could help ease the chemical industry's dependence on petroleum-based products by making the use of renewable resources attractive. In 1980, the chemical industry is expected to spend $883 million on capital outlays for pollution control, and well over $200 million on R&D for new control techniques and replacement products. As pure speculation, if just 5 percent of the current chemical industry were affected, spending on pollution could be reduced by about $100 million per year.
