Six cement plants received special recognition for their commitment to improving the environment and their communities at the Sixth Annual Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine, at the Portland Cement Association’s Spring Meeting in La Jolla, Calif., on Mar. 19, 2007.

The awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants went beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes and policies contributed to making their communities better places to live and work. "The cement industry is dedicated to producing a superior product while continuously challenging manufacturing policies and procedures to minimize our environmental footprint," said Charlie T. Sunderland, PCA chairman and CEO of Ash Grove Cement Company. "The awards program recognizes these ongoing efforts."

Six categories recognized plants throughout the United State and Canada (listed by category, company, and plant location):

-- Overall Environmental Excellence: St. Marys Cement Inc., Charlevoix,

Mich.

-- Outreach: Holcim (US) Inc., Theodore, Ala.

-- Environmental Performance: St. Marys Cement Inc., Bowmanville, Ontario

-- Land Stewardship: CEMEX, Davenport, Calif.

-- Innovation: CEMEX, Knoxville, Tenn.

-- Energy Efficiency: California Portland Cement Company, Mojave, Calif.