Obernolte Introduces ReCement Act to Support Domestic Cement Manufacturing

Image June 11, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jay Obernolte introduced the Reforming Cement Manufacturing for Enhanced Material Efficiency and New Technology Act, or the ReCement Act, legislation to provide regulatory certainty for cement manufacturers seeking to responsibly reuse appropriate non-hazardous materials in the production process. Cement is essential to American infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water systems, housing, military construction, and energy projects. However, current law can create uncertainty for manufacturers seeking to reuse non-hazardous recovered materials or recovered resources as alternative fuels or ingredients, even when those materials can be safely and productively reused. “Cement is the foundation of the infrastructure our country depends on, from highways and bridges to military construction, water systems, and energy projects,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte . “The ReCement Act provides commonsense regulatory certainty so manufacturers can safely reuse appropriate non-hazardous materials, reduce unnecessary waste, and strengthen American manufacturing without weakening environmental safeguards.” “The American Cement Association (ACA) appreciates Congressman Obernolte’s introduction of the ReCement Act, as it rightly brings the needs of an essential manufacturing industry to the forefront,” said Diane Tomb, ACA President and CEO . “By enabling cement producers to use more alternative fuels, this bill would: increase productivity while maintaining environmental protections; build on the cement workforce; foster energy independence and innovation; and reduce landfill disposal. Cement is the key ingredient in concrete, which is critical to national security, infrastructure, our economy, and America’s overall quality of life.” The ReCement Act amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to clarify that certain non-hazardous recovered materials and recovered resources should not be treated as solid waste when they are legitimately reused in cement or clinker manufacturing. The bill applies only to materials that would not be hazardous waste if discarded and requires qualifying materials to meet existing standards, including EPA’s legitimacy criteria where applicable. Issues : Energy & Environment