The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has called for changes to the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) non-hazardous secondary materials (NHSM) policy.

PCA Vice President and Counsel for Government Affairs, Charles Franklin, explained why reforming EPA's NHSM policy was so important for the cement industry. While many cement manufacturers already strive to use alternative fuels, they are often limited by federal regulations that deem such materials to be wastes, subjecting facilities to onerous and often prohibitive permitting requirements and restrictions.

"A robust alternative fuels policy supports many of the current administration's key priorities, including energy security, fuel diversification, public health and environmental protection, economic development, and infrastructure investment," said Mr Franklin. "Materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, illegal dumps, or our nation's waterways can offer great value as fuels for cement kilns. These kilns operate at temperatures that ensure highly efficient heat recovery, with emissions profiles similar to if not better than those of traditional fossil fuels."

PCA, joined by several other supportive industries at the meeting, urged the administrator and his team to work with the cement industry to review current regulatory policies, guidance, and legal interpretations to identify suitable reforms.

PCA and other industry associations have pledged to work with the Smart Sectors team and EPA program office to explore options for reforming EPA's alternative fuels policy in the coming months.