The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has issued a statement in response to US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (EO) on energy independence. The EO instructs federal agencies to review and either revise or withdraw a number of actions taken by the Obama administration, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan. The EO also immediately rescinds other federal policies, such as the social cost of carbon figures developed by the Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases.
"PCA applauds President Trump for revisiting regulations that have a significant impact on the nation’s cement manufacturers, such as those in the EO issued," said PCA Executive Vice President Todd Johnston. "Over numerous objections from states, industry groups, and policy makers, EPA issued the Clean Power Plan in a manner that exceeded the agency’s statutory authority. The social cost of carbon figures were developed without necessary transparency and public input. All relevant stakeholders, including regulated industry, must have a voice in the development of national policies related to energy independence, including climate change. This should be done in a fair and open forum that relies on the best science available and conforms to existing law."
The US cement industry body’s statement says that it "recognises its critical role in sustaining American society, and takes this responsibility very seriously. PCA and its members are committed to the safe and efficient manufacture of high-quality products with minimal environmental footprint."