WASHINGTON (December 7, 2023) — Today, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2023, S.B. 3439, which would support research and development, demonstration and commercial applications of low-emissions concrete and asphalt to spur industrial decarbonization and enhance U.S. innovation. The bill would set up a research program to reduce emissions from concrete and asphalt-related products, increase the technological and economic competitiveness of the sectors, secure supply chains and create jobs. This research program would be a multi-agency effort led by the Department of Energy. The bill would also establish performance-based materials grants through the Federal Highway Administration and authorize the Department of Transportation to pursue advance market or purchase commitments to create a market for low-emissions concrete and asphalt. Finally, it would create an interagency task force to improve material performance, reduce costs, support innovation, increase employment, and enhance training in the production and use of these low-emissions materials.  

Below is a statement from Angela Anderson, Director Industrial Innovation and Carbon Removal, U.S. Climate, World Resources Institute:   

“WRI applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2023 by Senators Coons and Tillis. While the landmark climate legislation passed in 2022 is being implemented, the U.S. still requires further targeted funding for innovation in key heavy industrial sectors such as cement, concrete and asphalt to bolster our climate ambitions and achieve our net-zero targets. WRI is particularly pleased that this bill, which aims to promote technological innovation that would reduce emissions, increase U.S. competitiveness and create jobs, has bipartisan backing. This indicates that there is real potential in Congress to support a scaleup of industrial innovation and decarbonization. We look forward to continuing working with members of Congress who would champion such industrial climate policies.”