California Bill Passes to Reduce GHG Emissions from Cement
First-of-its-Kind Law Would Require Industry to Achieve Net-Zero GHG Emissions by 2045
SACRAMENTO – A bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the production of cement is headed to Governor Newsom’s desk today after passing out of the state legislature. Cement is a major source of local air pollution and California's second-largest industrial source of carbon pollution after oil and gas production—and would rank as the world’s fourth largest GHG emitter if it were a country. Once signed, SB 596 would be the first state law directly targeting greenhouse gas emissions from the cement sector. The Governor must sign the bill before October 10.
The following is a reaction from Alex Jackson, senior attorney for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“Californians will suffer more intense fires, droughts, and heat waves due to climate change, without strong policies to limit the greenhouse gas output from industrial sources like cement plants. This bill positions California to develop a model strategy to shrink cement’s huge carbon footprint, while continuing to grow our economy and protect public health. Governor Newsom should quickly sign it into law.”
More Information on SB 596:
California Passes Bill to Slash Cement Emissions
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.