Document v6RE4oyy2r7ZQww0M5axVxVYq

Portland Cement Association 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 200 Washington D.C., 20001 202.408.9494 www.cement.org April 7, 2025 The Honorable Lee Zeldin Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460 The Honorable Chris Wright Secretary U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20585 RE: Preserving The ENERGY STAR AND Smart Sector Programs Dear Secretary Wright and Administrator Zeldin, I am writing on behalf of the Portland Cement Association, which represents cement manufacturers across the country, to express support for the continued maintenance of the ENERGY STAR and Smart Sector programs, particularly as they relate to the cement industry. These programs drive energy efficiency and foster communication between our industry and the Administration. ENERGY STAR has played a critical role in supporting our sector's efforts to increase operational efficiency. The program has been a vital tool in helping cement manufacturers reduce energy use, reduce emissions, and improve energy performance. Over the years, our industry has made substantial investments in energy-efficient technologies and practices, many of which were informed by ENERGY STAR's guidance and resources. For example, many cement manufacturers have invested in advanced energy management systems, high-efficiency equipment, and process optimization technologies. These investments not only improve the productivity of our operations but also contribute to the broader goals of reducing industrial energy use and promoting a more resilient energy infrastructure. For example, in the last ten years, the cement industry has improved energy intensity by 13% with total energy savings of 60.5 trillion BTU annually. Cement plants across America have also benefited from the ENERGY STAR certification program in that they have gained recognition for their energy efficiency efforts. The Smart Sectors Program, launched during the first Trump Administration, has also played an important role in helping the cement industry engage with the Administration and identify sector-specific solutions for reducing environmental impacts. We hope that continued engagement with the program, which focuses on sector-specific challenges, will lead to tailored strategies that achieve both regulatory compliance and voluntary sustainability goals. Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_018475D_00003498-00001 SC_EVERSPLIT0007602 Portland Cement Association 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 200 Washington D.C., 20001 202.408.9494 www.cement.org Given the importance of ENERGY STAR and Smart Sectors in the cement industry's shared goals with the Administration, I strongly urge you to continue supporting these initiatives. The continuation of these programs is critical not only for our industry but also for the nation's broader energy transition and environmental efforts. The cement sector is committed to advancing sustainability and energy efficiency, and we rely on the continued guidance, collaboration, and recognition that ENERGY STAR and Smart Sectors provide. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I welcome the opportunity to discuss further how these programs have benefited the cement industry and how their continuation can support the Environmental Protection Agency's and Department of Energy's broader objectives in energy and environmental policy. Sincerely, CC: Aaron Szabo Abbie Tardif Chad McIntosh Travis Voyles Sean O'Neill Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Portland Cement Association soneiIIgcen)entorg (202) 719-1974 Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_018475D_00003498-00002 SC_EVERSPLIT0007603