You won’t notice any difference driving on it, but Caltrans is now going to be using up to 15-percent of a type of cement that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agency Spokesman Will Arnold says so-called Portland Limestone Cement, or highway construction and maintenance projects, will reduce carbon dioxide releases by up to 10-percent a year…

click to listen to Will Arnold

Arnold says the traditional process of producing cement includes using high heat on the limestone. It alters the rock’s chemistry, creating what’s called “clinker”. That’s a basic component in nearly all types of cement. But it also generates large quantities of carbon dioxide. Portland Limestone contains less clinker. In 2017 alone, Caltrans used 325-thousand tons of cement to upgrade the state highway system…

click to listen to Will Arnold

Officials say this is a big step in supporting California’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.