IMPACT Act

The bill would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish, within 180 days of enactment, a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for advanced production of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt. The program would focus on carbon capture technologies, energy-efficient processes, novel materials, alternative fuels, high-performance computing for materials design, and retrofits for existing plants. DOE would be required to select eligible entities — including universities, nonprofits, government bodies, and private companies — to carry out demonstration projects, prioritizing regional and technological diversity and leveraging non-federal matching funds. DOE must also develop a five-year strategic plan within 180 days of the program's establishment and update it every two years.

The bill would also authorize DOE to provide technical assistance on a competitive basis to eligible entities for activities such as lifecycle assessments, environmental impact comparisons, and updating local codes to performance-based standards. DOE may terminate the demonstration projects early if sufficient low-emissions materials become commercially available at prices comparable to conventional products. The entire program would sunset seven years after enactment.

Universities, nonprofit research institutions, private companies (including cement, concrete, and asphalt manufacturers), and state and federal entities that could apply to conduct DOE-funded demonstration projects or receive technical assistance. Rural communities are specifically encouraged to participate. The Department of Transportation, the General Services Administration, the EPA, and NIST would also be involved as coordinating agencies.

Cement, concrete, and asphalt production are among the more emissions-intensive industrial processes. If the program succeeds in making low-emissions production cost-competitive, it could reduce industrial greenhouse gas output across a sector that underpins virtually all infrastructure construction. Manufacturers, contractors, and communities near plants could see changes in production costs and air quality over the program's seven-year life.

DOE must stand up the program within 180 days of enactment, then develop a five-year strategic plan within another 180 days, submitted to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Secretary would solicit competitive applications for demonstration projects and technical assistance at least annually. Regional centers may be designated for technical assistance. DOE would coordinate across multiple internal offices (including ARPA-E, the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, and the Office of Industrial Efficiency) as well as the Departments of Transportation and Defense and NIST. Biennial progress reports on demonstrations are required; the program automatically terminates after seven years.