A cement composition or method of using the cement composition in a subterranean formation, the composition having: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of epoxysuccinic acid, a substituted epoxysuccinic acid, and an alkali metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt, or ammonium salt of any of the foregoing, and any combination of any of the foregoing; (ii) has the following characteristics: (a) is water soluble; and (b) is biodegradable; and (iii) is capable of providing: (a) a thickening time of at least 2 hours for a test composition at a temperature of 190° F. and a pressure of 5,160 psi; and (b) an initial setting time of less than 24 hours for the test composition at a temperature of 217° F. and a pressure of 3,000 psi.