Supporting American Cement: Smarter Regulations for a Stronger Future

ACA believes it is possible to strike a balance between upping U.S. production while limiting environmental impact. It all starts with modernizing the permitting process, something some congressional members are taking head on, and America’s cement manufacturers could not be more grateful.

Today the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Environment Subcommittee advanced legislation to amend the Clean Air Act, to help ensure a balance between providing necessary environmental protections while fostering economic growth and innovation.

Currently, America’s cement manufacturers provide 80% of the total cement consumed in the U.S. The remaining 20% needed to meet U.S. demand is imported. Overly stringent EPA regulations introduced—in some cases in the 1970’s and ‘80’s—are still in effect today, and desperately need to be updated to address manufacturers’ needs of today.

A streamlined permitting system will eliminate superfluous regulation hurdles and create a more efficient process—allowing U.S. cement companies to boost production at their plants and rely less on imports.