Texas Industries Inc. has announced plans to idle four wet-process kilns. Among the company’s five kilns, only dry-process line will operate in the near-term.

For years, the North Texas air quality debate has focused largely on cars and coal plants. The cement kilns just to our south often escaped unscathed in talks about tougher regulations. We dubbed the pollution-intensive plants the belching gorilla in the corner of the room.
 
While TXI won’t discuss whether this move might become permanent, growing interest in "green cement" could help ensure that the wet kilns are turned off indefinitely. Several local governments have passed resolutions that give preference to purchasing cement produced by cleaner kilns. The Dallas City Council led the way, and a handful of other North Texas cities have followed.