Expected increases in public construction activities will pave the way for improved cement consumption in 2010 and beyond, according the most recent economic forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA).

Read more: Gains to Materialize in Second Half of 2010

The Construction Specifications Institute, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and GreenBlue will launch Green Building Products Coalition (GBPC) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 11, 2010, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Interested parties are invited to attend, and the Construction Materials Recycling Association will be participating.

Read more: Green Building Products Coalition Forming

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, D-NY, announced that he has personally called the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, Stephen Chu, urging him to quickly approve an application for loan guarantees submitted by Taylor Biomass in Orange County, N.Y.

Read more: Sen. Schumer Supports Taylor Biomass Loan Guarantee

ROOFING, a new study just released by The Freedonia Group, examines U.S. markets for roofing products, materials and systems.  Products covered include asphalt shingles, bituminous low-slope roofing products, elastomeric roofing, metal roofing, plastic, concrete and clay roofing tile, wood shingles and shakes, and other roofing materials (e.g., composite panels, slate roofing and green roofs.

Read more: Roofing Study Released