February 19, 2024

By Lane Kimble

Editor’s Note: Descriptions, text, and photos of Mr. Enders’ time in Washington are courtesy of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and Kate Lancaster.  WTBA sincerely appreciates their contribution to this story.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Walbec Vice President Brian Enders testified in a hearing on Capitol Hill on behalf of NAPA on Feb. 15, sharing a stakeholder perspective on the implementation of Buy America provisions with the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Enders, a member of the NAPA Board of Directors and chairman of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) board, submitted written testimony for the subcommittee and also answered questions from its members.

“A source of pride for my industry is that asphalt pavement is the most recycled product in America,” Enders told the subcommittee, explaining how reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Old pavements can continuously be used in new pavements.”

Enders began by explaining how asphalt pavement is made through a combination of aggregates and asphalt binder, and how the mix specifications can be adjusted to withstand differing weather and traffic conditions. He explained that domestic production of asphalt binder cannot meet demand due to a lack of refining capacity, while some areas of the country lack access to quality materials.

Meanwhile, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) is pushing the White House to streamline the well meaning, but clunky Build America, Buy America Act.

In comments filed alongside the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Public Transportation Association, and the National Association of Homebuilders, ARTBA says the current waiver process is too easily bogged down and program oversight doesn’t involve enough actual stakeholders, such as FHWA.

Build America calls on contractors to use American-made products when working on federally funded projects, however there are exemptions when materials are unavailable or their cost would drive up the price of the work.

“(The Office of Management and Budget) needs to change course and foster a deliberative, data-driven implementation process that not only prioritizes domestic manufacturing but also provides adequate consideration for the timely and successful delivery of essential infrastructure projects,” the groups said in their filing. “Failure to act will result in the IIJA’s inability to fulfill its infrastructure promise to the American people.”

You can read the groups’ full news release HERE.