July 8, 2019 – During the recent Democratic debate, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper claimed that the worst polluter in CO2 is China, then the United States, and then it’s concrete and it’s exhalation. Experts like Jeremy Gregory, executive director of Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have demonstrated that statements like Hickenlooper’s do not provide…
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Vulcan Rocks Out the Quarry
July 5, 2019 – Vulcan Materials knows how to rock a quarry. Its Rock Out the Quarry event was held in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Friday, June 28: a fun-filled evening replete with live music, fireworks, food, and activities for all ages. From great entertainment and food, to bounce houses and games for children, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The music…
Read MoreOH a Gas Tax Increase
July 3, 2019 – There is a bit of fireworks this 4th of July in Ohio. A 10.5-cent and 19-cent statewide jump in price for gas and diesel fuel, respectively, went into effect thanks to a tax increase contained in the state’s latest transportation budget. The hike puts the total tax at 38.5 cents for gas and 47 cents for diesel. Since 2005, the…
Read MoreGranite Touts Telematics
July 2, 2019 – Granite’s 2018 Sustainability Report, available on its website, focuses on many aspects of the company’s business. One interesting part is the inclusion of telematics and how it factors into its sustainability efforts. In the section “Using Telematics to Reduce our Carbon Footprint,” the company said one of its goals is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions/fuel consumption associated with…
Read MoreHighways With a THUD
July 1, 2019 – The House of Representatives last week passed a major spending package, HR3055, containing $87.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations for Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (THUD). This “minibus” package – composed of four other appropriations bills in addition to THUD – was the second of three packages considered by the House for FY 2020, and passed the chamber…
Read MoreWorkforce Development Grants Available July 1
July 28, 2019 – New reforms to strengthen the Perkins career and technical education (CTE) program will go into effect July 1. Approved by Congress and signed into law last year, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353) updates the federal education grant program to help more students gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs. Under the…
Read MoreRogers Group Plants Pollinator Garden
June 27, 2019 – Rogers Group Inc. (RGI) Sales Representative Angie Thurman went to a Tennessee Concrete Association mid-year meeting and walked out with a big idea. After hearing an environmental presentation about biodiversity at ready mixed and concrete facilities, she learned that only two aggregate companies in the entire United States partnered with the Wildlife Habitat Council and built pollinator…
Read MoreMichigan Gas Tax Could Spike by 45 Cents
June 25, 2019 – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Grand Rapids to push her plan to revitalize Michigan’s roads, a promise she’s touted since she pledged to “fix the damn roads” during her election campaign, according to a report on WWMT. Standing under a bridge along U.S. Route 131, Whitmer again pushed her gas-tax proposal, calling the state’s bridge system critical. “Michiganders are…
Read MoreInside the Dodge Report
June 20, 2019 – Dodge Data and Analytics released its latest construction-starts report. Highway and bridge construction eased back 2% in May following 8% improvement over the previous two months. May is traditionally the start of warmer weather, so it is surprising to see a decline. However, weather conditions have been sketchy, to say the least. The top five states in…
Read MoreThe Letter
June 19, 2019 – The letter has been sent. The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) joined with the U.S. Chamber and coalition partners on a letter to President Trump and leadership of the House and Senate, urging them to renew action on infrastructure investment legislation now. “Each side acknowledges the need to invest in and improve our nation’s infrastructure. Our elected leaders…
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