Greening Cement

"The belching, cement-producing smokestacks that dot Dallas County's southern horizon have long befuddled area officials working to comply with federal clean air standards. Facing deadlines, fines and the potential loss of federal funds, a growing group of local governments is mounting a green revolution in the cement market.

In mid-October, when Texas Industries Inc., the largest cement producer in the state, indefinitely shut down its four oldest and dirtiest kilns, watchdog groups like Public Citizen and Downwinders at Risk called it a coup for the regulatory movement despite the company's insistence that the ailing economy and ensuing construction downturn prompted the move. Regardless, green cement supporters say leveraging the market is a worthwhile step."