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Cement plant seeks Pueblo letter of support for DOE carbon‑capture grant; company pledges local hiring steps
Summary
A representative of Wholesome US asked the council for a letter of support for a U.S. Department of Energy grant application to add carbon capture at the plant east of Florence. The company estimated about 1,200 construction jobs over three years and said it would work with local colleges and workforce programs to recruit Pueblo residents.
Justin Kurth, public affairs and community relations manager for Wholesome US—s Portland plant, asked the Pueblo City Council on May 5 for a letter of support for a Department of Energy grant application to install carbon capture technology at the cement plant east of Florence.
Kurth said the project would reduce process and fuel emissions from cement manufacture, would be developed in partnership with the Colorado School of Mines on technical matters, and that Wholesome US plans to partner with Colorado State University Pueblo on an economic impact study. He said the project could employ approximately 1,200 construction workers over about three years and that the plant currently employs nearly 200 people, some of whom live in Pueblo.
The nut graf: Kurth said support letters from the region improve competitiveness for DOE funding and that the plant is pursuing the grant as a first step toward a larger carbon‑management strategy. He said Wholesome US is also pursuing quarry expansions unrelated to carbon capture and that the greater Pueblo Chamber has provided a letter of support.
Councilors asked how the city could help ensure jobs would go to Pueblo residents. Kurth said Wholesome has HR staff attending local job fairs (including Pueblo Community College) and will expand recruitment and workforce development relationships to prioritize local hiring. Councilor Flores indicated support for a letter if legal review confirms the city would not assume obligations beyond a statement of support; Councilor Maestri similarly urged legal review of any grant terms that could bind the city.
Ending: Council members said they were generally supportive of exploring grant support but asked staff to review any request language or commitments for potential legal or fiscal obligations before the mayor signs a letter of support. Kurth said he would follow up with the city on workforce and legal‑review steps.
