On Thursday, U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced legislation that would accelerate the deployment of low-emission concrete and asphalt.
The bill, the Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act, would direct federal resources to research, development, demonstration and commercialization of low-emission concrete and asphalt. The second-most used material on earth, and the world’s most used building material, Concrete accounts for 8 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Innovating low-emissions concrete and asphalt could create opportunities for decarbonization and advance American competitiveness, the law makers said.
“Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, it takes to produce the world’s most plentiful building material will combat climate change while promoting American leadership in manufacturing,” Coons said.
The legislation would create a low-emission concrete and asphalt research, development and demonstration program, as well as leverage American manufacturing institutes to support development and testing, and provide performance-based, low-emissions transportation materials grants through the Federal Highway Administration. The legislation would also authorize the U.S. Transportation Secretary to make advance purchase commitments for low-emission concrete and asphalt.
“This bill would accelerate industrial innovation to bring new technologies to market and establish a strategic road map for the U.S. to lead the way on the path to lowering concrete and asphalt emissions,” Tillis said.
The legislation is supported by ClearPath Action, the Clean Air Task Force, and the Portland Cement Association, among others.
“Demand for lower emissions products is increasing across the globe, and the United States needs continued innovation to keep pace and ensure we are researching and deploying cutting-edge, innovative technologies to maintain a competitive advantage,” Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath Action, said. “The Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act will accelerate industrial innovation and enable the United States to remain the global leader in industrial manufacturing while also lowering global emissions, creating jobs, and producing affordable products.”