NSSGA President Michele Stanley Discusses Legislative Priorities on CheckProof's Podcast

In a recent episode of CheckProof's acclaimed Breaking Ground podcast, Michele Stanley, President and CEO of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), provided valuable insights into pressing issues surrounding the aggregates industry in the United States. This episode comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with the endorsement of the BUILD America 250 Act by both NSSGA and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). This five-year initiative proposes to inject $580 billion into surface transportation, a matter crucial for infrastructure investment nationwide.

During her interview, Stanley emphasized the significant impacts of infrastructure policy on the aggregates sector, a key player in construction materials. She underscored that the Surface Transportation Bill, due to expire in September 2026, is the number one priority as it influences long-term capital investments and workforce stability. The urgent need for a robust multi-year reauthorization cannot be overstated, especially as the industry grapples with a myriad of challenges.

Key Highlights from the Podcast

The discussion covered a range of topics critical to the industry. Firstly, Stanley highlighted the real cost of permitting delays—averaging around $1 million per location—which is a burden both for industry players and policy makers. The episode also explained recent legislative measures aiming to address these delays, such as the Permit Act and SPEED Act. These reforms are pivotal for streamlining processes that currently hinder successful construction projects.

Additionally, the podcast touched upon the collaborative efforts of NSSGA, NAPA, and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), which for the third consecutive year are uniting to present a unified voice on Capitol Hill. This coalition is essential for addressing the complicated landscape of construction materials supply chains and their role in major infrastructure discussions.

Advocacy and Engagement

The episode stressed the importance of grassroots advocacy, calling on frontline workers to engage actively with NSSGA's Legislative and Policy Forum, set for September 20-23 in Washington, D.C. Participation in this forum is vital, allowing industry professionals to shape policies that directly affect them, ensuring their voices are heard in legislative discussions.

With the podcast now available on all major platforms, listeners are encouraged to delve into these pressing issues and consider their role in the evolving landscape of construction materials and policy advocacy.

Stanley’s insights illuminate the path forward for the aggregates industry as it navigates the challenges posed by outdated policies and seeks to establish a sustainable future. Learn more by tuning in to the episode, which exemplifies the importance of informed dialogue in shaping industry standards and practices.

For additional information, visit CheckProof's official site.