Oct. 10, 2019 – I am trying to wrap my brain around infrastructure-advocacy group Transportation for America’s announcement that it will no longer advocate for more money for transportation. According to the group, “We spend nearly $40 billion in federal tax dollars every year, which fails to bring us equivalent returns. The more we spend, the more that congestion, emissions and pedestrian…
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NSSGA Hill Day Timing Critical
Oct. 8, 2019 – November is shaping up to be a busy month on Capitol Hill. When planning a fly-in for the industry, first and foremost is to ensure Congress will be in session. Well, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Legislative & Policy Forum will not lack for activity and urgency this November. “As we gather our army of aggregates advocates to meet with…
Read MoreDoing It With Diesel
Oct. 4, 2019 – In 2018, more than 1 million heavy-duty diesel engines were manufactured in facilities across the United States – a growth of 13% over the previous year, or nearly 120,000 engines, according to new data from the Diesel Technology Forum. Thirteen states are home to heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturing, with North Carolina producing more than one-in-three U.S.-made heavy-duty…
Read MoreZatezalo to Speak at NSSGA Forum
Oct. 2, 2019 – U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary of Mine Safety and Health David Zatezalo will be the featured speaker at the Lunch with a Lawmaker session of NSSGA’s Legislative & Policy Forum on Nov. 18 in Washington, D.C. Zatezalo, who has led MSHA since 2017, will discuss the importance of keeping our workers safe on the job and the agency’s…
Read MoreLearn Loaders with Jon Pardi
Oct. 1, 2019 – CASE Construction Equipment has partnered with ACM/CMA award-winning country artist Jon Pardi to launch a contest designed to recruit new operators to the construction industry. Contest winners will have the opportunity to learn how to operate equipment alongside the country music singer, who in addition to working construction in the past, has a passion for the industry…
Read MoreExaminations of Working Places Rule
Sept. 27, 2019 – This just in. On Sept. 30, 2019, the Mine Safety and Health Administration will publish a notice in the Federal Register regarding the reinstatement of the regulatory provisions for examinations of working places in metal and nonmetal mines originally published on Jan. 23, 2017. The rule is being reinstated as the result of an order from the U.S. Court of Appeals…
Read MoreWe Are Lagging Behind
Sept. 26, 2019 – A panel of experts speaking at a House Budget Committee hearing echoed concerns about the nation’s failure to keep pace with its infrastructure challenges. Since 2010, China has spent roughly 8% of its GDP on infrastructure. European countries, on average, dedicate roughly 5% of their GDP to infrastructure. In the U.S., the figure is roughly 2.4% “The United States…
Read MoreKey Economic Markers Released
Sept. 23, 2019 – Two key industry economic markers hit on the same day. USGS reported that an estimated 680 Mt of total construction aggregates was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the second quarter of 2019, an increase of 3% compared with that of the second quarter of 2018. Production for consumption in the first six…
Read MoreOhio CAT Roars
Sept. 20, 2019 – Ohio CAT is roaring. The Caterpillar dealer in Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana kicked off construction of its newest building project with a ceremonial groundbreaking at its recently purchased property in the city of Perrysburg, Ohio. Building construction at the nearly 40-acre property off of Eckel Junction Rd. will house Ohio CAT, The Cat Rental Store and…
Read MoreChao Under Investigation
Sept. 16, 2019 – Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is under investigation by the House Oversight and Reform Committee for improperly using her office to benefit herself and a shipping company owned by her family. Chao is also under investigation for her failure to divest from Vulcan Materials Co., where she had served on the board of directors before her appointment to…
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