U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) on June 11 sponsored legislation to clarify that certain non-hazardous recovered materials and recovered resources should not be treated as solid waste when they are properly reused in cement or clinker manufacturing.
The Reforming Cement Manufacturing for Enhanced Material Efficiency and New Technology Act, also known as the ReCement Act, H.R. 9293, would apply only to materials that would not be hazardous waste if discarded.
“Cement is the foundation of the infrastructure our country depends on, from highways and bridges to military construction, water systems, and energy projects,” Rep. Obernolte said. “The ReCement Act provides common-sense regulatory certainty so manufacturers can safely reuse appropriate non-hazardous materials, reduce unnecessary waste, and strengthen American manufacturing without weakening environmental safeguards.”
If enacted, H.R. 9293 also would require qualifying materials to meet existing standards, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s legitimacy criteria where applicable, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
H.R. 9293, which is supported by the American Cement Association, is under consideration by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.