The White House launches low-carbon construction plan with major cities and companies

The Biden administration has secured new commitments from key cities, states and corporations to reduce emissions from cement and steel, aiming to cut construction-related pollution.

Brian Dabbs reports for E&E News.

In short:

New York, Los Angeles and Washington State committed to cutting concrete emissions for infrastructure by up to 30% by 2028.
Major companies like Amazon and Heidelberg Materials pledged to use low-carbon materials in construction and data centers.
The initiatives align with the Federal-State Buy Clean Partnership to reduce emissions from construction materials nationwide.

Key quote:

“The production of construction materials is a major source of pollution. These new commitments will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world.”

— White House memo

Why this matters:

Construction materials like cement and steel are major carbon emitters, responsible for nearly 8% of global emissions. Reducing their carbon footprint is crucial for hitting climate targets and reducing industrial pollution.

www.eenews.net

The White House launches low-carbon construction plan with major cities and companies

'Slumping' South Korean corals worry divers, scientists studying climate change

Too hot to learn: how climate change hurts children’s chances from birth

One effect of climate change: More rats, ticks and mosquitoes — and more disease

‘More toxic than car exhaust’: What’s the solution to Europe’s wildfire air pollution problem?

Opinion: Al Gore was right

A mysterious kidney disease has arrived in Texas

Global move away from oil could lead to conflict and migration, experts say

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.