Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund, has expressed her support for the Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2023. This legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), aims to fund research and provide alternative methods to assist cement and concrete producers in reducing emissions.
Gore emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: "We must find solutions for energy-intensive industries like these to reduce their climate pollution. That’s why it’s great to see Sen. Coons introduce legislation that will increase research and provide new options to help cement producers reduce emissions while ensuring the federal government uses its purchasing power to move the market to clean cement." She further highlighted the ubiquity of concrete and cement in our lives, from sidewalks to bridges and schools, but noted their significant contribution to global warming.
According to a press release issued by Senators Coons and Tillis on December 7, the bill's objective is to expedite the deployment of low-emissions concrete and asphalt. The proposed legislation would allocate federal resources towards research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of low-emission concrete and asphalt technologies.
The press release also provides context about the environmental impact of concrete production. It states that after water, concrete is the most used material on earth with an annual production rate of 18 billion tons. However, this widespread use comes with a considerable environmental cost as it accounts for 8% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The legislation proposes several measures according to the same press release. It plans to establish a low-emissions concrete and asphalt research, development, and demonstration program. It also includes provisions for performance-based grants through the Federal Highway Administration for low-emissions transportation materials. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to make advance purchase commitments for low-emissions concrete and asphalt while creating an interagency task force for concrete and asphalt innovation.
