H.R.2122 - IMPACT Act 2.0 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2122, the IMPACT Act 2.0, aims to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. cement, concrete, and asphalt industries by promoting the development and use of low-emission technologies. The bill establishes grant programs and incentives for states to adopt low-emission materials in highway projects. It also creates a directory of approved low-emission materials and allows states to enter into advance purchase agreements for these materials.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to increase the demand for and production of low-emission construction materials. This could lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector. It may also spur innovation in material science and manufacturing processes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from cement, concrete, and asphalt production.
- Increased demand for innovative and domestically produced construction materials.
- Potential for job creation in the low-emission materials sector.
- Improved durability and performance of infrastructure projects using advanced materials.
- Enhanced competitiveness of U.S. industries in the global market.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs in highway projects due to the use of more expensive low-emission materials.
- Administrative burden on states to comply with the grant requirements and reporting procedures.
- Risk of delays in project implementation due to the need for new specifications and standards.
- Possible challenges in verifying the actual emission reductions of different materials.
- Dependence on the Administrator's discretion in approving materials for the directory, which could lead to inconsistencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution, as it seeks to promote economic growth and environmental protection, which can be considered part of the general welfare. The bill's provisions regarding appropriations are subject to congressional authorization, as required by Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law."
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).