Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act

Floor Speech

I rise in support of the Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act, otherwise known as the IMPACT Act.

Mr. Speaker, at the Science Committee, we look to address problems beyond the conventional approaches, and we take a broad, long-term perspective. For example, we look for greenhouse gas emissions beyond the smokestack and tailpipe in order to have a holistic image of the climate change challenge we face. The bill before us today seeks to address an often overlooked contributor to carbon dioxide emissions.

Globally, cement facilities account for 8 percent of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, which is about the same amount as one-third of all power plant emissions, really a stunning source of this pollution. The projected demand for cement is expected to increase substantially. To address the challenge, there is a need for Federal investment in next-generation cement, concrete, and asphalt emission reduction technologies.

The IMPACT Act establishes a dedicated program and directs DOE to develop tools, technologies, and methods for the manufacture of low- emission cement, concrete, and asphalt, using both advanced and currently commercially available production processes.

It also authorizes DOE to provide technical assistance to eligible entities in order to increase the efficiency of current production processes, active engagement that will help the industry adapt and innovate.

Now, in order to carry out this ambitious mission, the Secretary is directed to focus on a range of key technology areas, including carbon capture, resource efficiency, and high-performance computing.

This is actually an exciting bill, and it has potential to strengthen and enhance the competitiveness of American manufacturing while at the same time reducing a major greenhouse gas contributor.

I thank Representative Miller and Representative Foushee on their impressive legislation.

Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate that Representative Foushee is a Member of this body and a member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. She is a new Member to Congress, but she is an experienced legislator, and I think that background allows her to successfully craft complex but practical and important legislation.

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Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests, so I am happy to urge all Members to vote for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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