O’Hare says it will allow the companies more time to save to make the investments it needs to make. However, even though the EPA is planning to extend the time two more years before implementation, “the rule is still quite challenging. The industry will need to give significant investment [to comply].”

Birmingham, Ala.-based Vulcan Materials, the largest provider of aggregates, has a single cement facility in Florida. The producer believes the EPA’s proposed amendments to air quality, which includes the two-year extension before implementation, are “appropriate.”

For a more in-depth report, including additional commentary and analysis from PCA’s O’Hare and John English, manager of public affairs for Vulcan Materials Co., see the September 2012 print edition or digital edition of Aggregates Manager.