Statement from U.S. Cement Industry on EPA Particulate Matter Regulation

Washington, DC (February 6, 2024) – In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of its finalization of the new Particulate Matter 2.5 standard under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) — representing America’s cement manufacturers — released the following statement.

“The previous EPA standard on particulate matter emissions — arrived at by government officials working with industry — significantly drove down those emissions by 37% over the last 20 years. This downward trend would have continued without the new standard imposed,” said Mike Ireland, PCA President and CEO.

“This new rule strikes at the heart of the U.S. cement industry’s ability to deliver on the Biden Administration’s infrastructure goals, as it would lead to fewer hours of operation at plants, which would mean layoffs, as well as less American cement and concrete at a time when the country needs more.

“Additionally, it’s ironic that this new standard put in place by the Administration will serve as the latest obstacle in an already challenging permitting process and will further complicate cement manufacturers’ environmental efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 if not sooner,” Ireland said.

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The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.