Environmentalists falter in challenge of EPA cement plant emissions rule

Sources: Portland Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

In a ruling on National Resources Defense Council v. EPA, the U.S. District Court for District of Columbia upholds major parts of an agreement the cement industry and Environmental Protection Agency reached on the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), under which producers will invest heavily in  emissions treatment and controls equipment toward a 2016 compliance target.

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Concrete masonry check-off bill clears key Senate committee

Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the concrete masonry industry’s check-off bill (S.429) by voice vote earlier this month, the legislation garnering consideration for possible avenues to the full Senate. The bill would authorize a Department of Commerce-sanctioned stakeholder committee to explore a market development, research and education program funded through a levy on concrete masonry unit sales.

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Martin Marietta CEO Nye to succeed Chairman Zelnak

Sources: Martin Marietta Materials, Raleigh, N.C.; CP staff

Longtime Chairman of the Board Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. will retire following Martin Marietta’s annual shareholders meeting, May 22, but remain a director. President and CEO C. Howard (Ward) Nye will assume the chairman’s post, completing a seamless and orderly succession process overseen by the board.

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FHWA, AASHTO gauge real-time concrete pavement quality

Source: Transtec Group, Austin, Texas

In an effort to reduce costs, increase pavement quality, and minimize travel delays caused by road construction, the Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Transportation Research Board will help agencies implement a tool that allows contractors to identify concrete pavement surface irregularities during construction.

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AEM backs Better Highways campaign with Washington, D.C. fly-in credits

Source: Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Milwaukee

Through I Make America, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is launching an initiative to encourage members and the construction industry’s hardworking ranks to fly-in to Washington, D.C., and support a new federal highway bill.

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