California Nevada Cement Association applauds cement sector emissions reduction bill

Source: World Cement
Author: Evie Gardner

The California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) commends the introduction of AB 2109 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo as a vital step forward in decarbonising the state's cement production by 2045.

The bill would permit cement producers in California to capture heat emitted during the manufacturing process and use it to create electricity they can then use on-site, giving cement plants access to carbon-free power. The process is a lever in CNCA's roadmap to carbon neutrality - a plan that is guiding the state's cement manufacturers to net zero by 2045 and fostered the creation of Sen. Josh Becker's landmark SB 596 in 2021, which sets out a regulatory framework for cement sector decarbonisation.

Tom Tietz, Executive Director of CNCA, said, "California's cement producers have long been part of the decarbonisation solution, working with environmental groups and legislators on landmark bills that guide the cement sector to net zero. Allowing cement plants to repurpose this lost heat would not only drastically cut plant emissions, but also give manufacturers a source of electricity that is totally carbon free."

"We applaud Assemblymember Carrillo's introduction of the bill, and we look forward to working with the legislature, NGOs, and other stakeholders in support of passing this crucial legislation. The California cement industry has long been at the forefront of reducing emissions while the materials we create stand the test of time, and we constantly attempt to ensure that our business is evolving to meet the state's needs, which we believe AB 2109 does", Tietz added.

CNCA's work, together with legislators, environmental NGOs, and additional stakeholders has made California a national leader in decarbonising the cement sector while growing the economy.