Former Rep. Cal Dooley (D-Calif.), president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, is kicking off a new energy lobbying campaign. Billed as “From Chemistry to Energy,” the effort is a push for comprehensive energy legislation with a focus on domestic energy production, Dooley said.

He added that the ACC plans to work both sides of the aisle to drum up support, but the ex-lawmaker acknowledged that this year won’t make for an easy environment.

“There’s a role for our industry, the American Chemistry Council, to play, to say, ‘When it comes to energy, this ought to be a safe harbor, and we ought to check our partisan politics at the door,’” Dooley said.

The nation’s energy policy should focus on traditional fossil fuels as well as nuclear and alternative and renewable sources “that will play a role in enhancing our energy security,” he said.

The chemical industry, he added, is particularly focused on shale gas. “We’re seeing a significant increase in investments and creation of jobs in the industry because of just one dramatic increase in an energy supply from shale.”

In addition to Capitol Hill lobbying, Dooley said the council would add social media outreach to the campaign.

“Serving in Congress seven terms, I’m a realist,” he said of the legislative calendar and the partisan politics of an election year. “Best-case scenario, it would achieve results in the remainder of 2012. … If it does not occur in 2012, we’re committed to staying engaged in 2013 and beyond.”