Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
cement industry

US Cement Industry Urges Senate to Pass Permitting Reform

The American Cement Association urged the Senate to pass S. 5653, while critics raised questions about environmental safeguards, court challenges and renewable projects. A November vote was an expectation, not a completed action.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The American Cement Association (ACA) urged the Senate on October 2, 2026, to pass S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, when senators returned in November. The bill had not passed: as of an Associated Press report on September 30, senators had announced a bipartisan deal, but a vote was expected only after the midterm elections. November was a reported target, not a completed or guaranteed vote.

What is the Senate permitting reform bill?

S. 5653 is the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. It was introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). The Senate deal had been announced, but the bill remained pending in the reporting available as of October 5, 2026. The ACA identifies the bill and its sponsors.

The ACA says the proposal would set deadlines for environmental reviews, modernize permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Water Act, limit legal challenges, and make issued permits more dependable. That is the association’s account of the bill and its case for passage, not a neutral assessment of every effect. The ACA’s description of the proposed changes.

Why does the cement industry support permitting reform?

More predictable project schedules

ACA President and CEO Diane Tomb argued that federal permitting delays and litigation make it harder to complete construction projects on time. In the association’s October 2 statement, she said, “Nothing gets built in America without cement, and too little gets built on time because the federal permitting system takes too long and invites endless litigation.”

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Instant Anchoring Cement, 10 Pound Bag, Quick Setting, Anchoring Mix
  • QUICK SETTING: Sets in 20 minutes
  • VERSATILE: Indoor, and outdoor use
  • EASY TO USE: Ready to use! Just add water, mix, and use!
  • MULTIPLE SURFACES: Handrails, bolts, poles, fixtures, and more
  • PRACTICAL SIZE: 10 pound bag saves your back while providing plenty of cover

ACA’s argument is that more predictable reviews and permits could give cement producers and the builders they supply greater certainty to invest, hire and build. Tomb also said that delays raise project costs, asserting, “Every month of delay raises the cost of those projects, and taxpayers and families pay for it.” These are the association’s claims about the proposal’s rationale and potential benefits, not measured outcomes established by the sources cited here. ACA’s October 2 statement on S. 5653.

Industry context cited by ACA

ACA has framed permitting reform as part of a broader agenda for domestic production and infrastructure. In its June 2, 2026 fly-in release, the association listed industrial permitting reform, domestic production, transportation reauthorization and recognition of cement’s strategic importance among its lobbying priorities. It said the U.S. cement industry directly and indirectly employs more than 500,000 people and contributes more than $140 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Those are ACA’s estimates. ACA’s June 2 release and industry figures.

Rank #2
Sale
SIKA Sikacryl Ready-Mix Concrete Repair Patch, Gray, Textured, 1 qt 1-Pack
  • FOR EASY REPAIRS — It's the ideal concrete patch repair mix, neatly fixing cracks and spalls so your property looks like new. It's even textured for a more seamless blend with the existing structure
  • TOUGH AND DURABLE — Formulated to avoid shrinking or cracking, the ready-to-use premixed cement patch offers good adhesion and high strength so your slabs, walls & walkways/sidewalks perform as good as ever
  • EASY CLEANUP — Sika concrete patch is acrylic-based, so once application is done, it cleans up using only water. No need for special cleaners and chemicals
  • GREEN — It follows regulations concerning the use of volatile organic compounds (VOC), helping to keep the air we breathe cleaner and fresher
  • A BREEZE TO USE — Minimal prep is required, since it comes premixed. Just use a putty or trowel to spread where repairs are needed. It takes only a few hours to set and about a day for a full cure

In a March 27, 2026 opinion, ACA said U.S. manufacturers supply 80% of the cement consumed in the country, with imports supplying the other 20%. Those shares are the association’s figures, rather than independently verified estimates in the cited material. ACA’s opinion on domestic cement supply.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the Senate progress and urged swift action, citing potential implications for energy, water infrastructure, roads, broadband and manufacturing. Its statement reflects a broader business-group position, not a cement-specific endorsement. The Chamber’s September 30 statement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Bauer Instant Polymer Cement, Ready-to-Use, 2kg
  • HIGH-YIELD POLYMER: Revolutionize your projects with our potent synthetic polymer, an instant adhesive that delivers up to 20 times the yield of traditional cement mix. Ideal for a broad range of applications, including concrete repair and cement crack repair, this bauer-endorsed product ensures efficiency and effectiveness, surpassing conventional solutions and saving time and resources.
  • VERSATILITY IN APPLICATION: From driveway crack filler to tile repair, our polymer serves as a universal solution. Whether fixing chips in concrete or laying down tiles, this crack concrete repair adhesive is your go-to. It's great for cementing blocks or repairing steps, walls, and walkways, making every project simpler with its all-encompassing application.
  • READY-TO-USE CONVENIENCE: Eliminate the guesswork and errors of traditional cement mix with our ready-to-use polymer. This instant adhesive simplifies concrete and cement crack repair, allowing for immediate application without the hassle of mixing. Ideal for quick and efficient repairs, it ensures the great consistency for both small fixes and major renovations.
  • EFFICIENT AND WASTE-REDUCING PACKAGING: Our polymer, a superior repair solution, comes in resealable packaging, ensuring no waste for your next job. This durable, easy-to-transport package means unused concrete crack repair remains viable, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Choose efficiency with our thoughtfully designed product.
  • COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: By selecting our Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) product, you choose more than just a high-quality instant adhesive for concrete repair. You support diversity within the industry, contributing to the empowerment of minority businesses. Our polymer, ideal for concrete crack repair and tile repair, exemplifies our dedication to quality and diversity.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What additional change does ACA want?

ACA separately urged lawmakers to modernize the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review (NSR) program in the final legislation. This is an additional change the association wants; it is distinct from the NEPA and Clean Water Act permitting changes ACA says S. 5653 already contains.

ACA’s position is that routine improvements at existing plants can trigger lengthy and uncertain NSR permitting, potentially discouraging upgrades that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The October statement presents this as the association’s view of the current program and the benefit of its requested change; it does not establish what final NSR language, if any, would be included. ACA’s October 2 statement.

Rank #4
HARTLINE 10001 Rockite Expansion Cement 15 Min 1 Lb
  • This item Rockite expansion cement 15 min 1 lb
  • Used for hardware, glue
  • The product is manufactured in United States
  • Model number: 10001

What are the concerns about the proposal?

The deal drew criticism over the balance between faster approvals and existing protections. The Associated Press reported that Conservation Law Foundation president Brad Campbell said the agreement appeared to reflect fossil-fuel industry priorities and could weaken clean-water and endangered-species safeguards, limit judicial review, and constrain federal or state authority. These are reported concerns about possible effects, not settled descriptions of what the bill would ultimately do.

AP also reported that Senator Sheldon Whitehouse sought clarity on how the legislation would prevent an administration from blocking wind and solar projects. That leaves renewable-project treatment as an issue raised in the debate, rather than a resolved outcome in the available reporting. AP’s report on criticism and open questions.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The central policy trade-off is therefore not simply speed versus delay. Supporters emphasize review deadlines and more durable permits; critics question whether safeguards, judicial review and public authority would be narrowed, and whether renewable projects would be protected from obstruction. The separate question of NSR changes concerns existing industrial facilities and ACA’s request for additional language.

When was the Senate expected to vote?

According to AP on September 30, a vote was not expected until after the midterm elections. Senator Mike Lee expressed confidence in a November vote during the lame-duck session. That was the reported expectation at the time, not a guarantee: the legislative calendar remained subject to change. AP’s September 30 report on the deal and expected timing.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Instant Anchoring Cement, 10 Pound Bag, Quick Setting, Anchoring Mix
Instant Anchoring Cement, 10 Pound Bag, Quick Setting, Anchoring Mix
QUICK SETTING: Sets in 20 minutes; VERSATILE: Indoor, and outdoor use; EASY TO USE: Ready to use! Just add water, mix, and use!
$21.99
Bestseller No. 4
HARTLINE 10001 Rockite Expansion Cement 15 Min 1 Lb
HARTLINE 10001 Rockite Expansion Cement 15 Min 1 Lb
This item Rockite expansion cement 15 min 1 lb; Used for hardware, glue; The product is manufactured in United States
$7.40

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.