Low-carbon cement and low-carbon concrete.
The impact of SB 682 is significant, as it directly ties state purchasing policies to environmental outcomes. By requiring public agencies to use low-carbon materials, the bill not only seeks to lower carbon emissions from one of the more challenging sectors to decarbonize but also aims to stimulate market demand for innovative low-carbon technologies. This could pave the way for new industries focused on sustainable construction materials in California, fostering economic growth while addressing climate change.
Senate Bill 682, introduced by Senator Skinner, aims to promote the use of low-carbon cement and concrete in California by establishing a statewide purchasing policy. This bill mandates that by 2030, at least 10% by volume of cement and concrete used in state projects must meet specific low-carbon benchmarks, as set forth by commitments made in international climate agreements. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that by 2035, all fossil-based supplementary cementitious materials must be excluded from this 10% volume. These measures are intended to drive the state towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the cement sector, aligning with California's broader climate goals.
Discussions around SB 682 have generally reflected a supportive sentiment among environmental advocates and progressive legislators, who view it as a critical step in California's commitment to climate leadership. However, there are concerns from some industry stakeholders regarding the feasibility of meeting the proposed benchmarks and potential higher costs associated with low-carbon materials. This has sparked debates on balancing environmental goals with economic impacts, particularly around public procurement strategies.
Notable points of contention regarding SB 682 include the practicality of achieving the 10% low-carbon cement requirement by 2030 and the exclusion of fossil-based materials by 2035. Critics argue that this timeline may be overly ambitious given existing supply chain constraints and the readiness of low-carbon technologies. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the long-term implications for project budgets and the necessary adjustments in industry standards and practices needed to meet these legislative goals.