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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Shifting Cement Standards

WASHINGTON (CN) - In response to requests from environmental advocacy organizations, the EPA will hold public hearings on changes it has proposed to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry.

The proposed changes would increase or add emission limits for mercury, total hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and hydrochloric acid from kilns and in-line kiln/raw mills located at a major or an area source.

The EPA's proposals are in response to the remand of a suit, filed by Earthjustice, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in which the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations argued that the EPA was flouting the regulatory requirements of the Clean Air Act by refusing to crack down on toxic emissions from cement kilns.

The Portland Cement Association, an industry lobbying group, argues that EPA's proposed emission limits are not obtainable, even if cement plants make costly investments in emission control technology, and will result in the closure of many cement plants with a corresponding drop in the domestic supply of cement.

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