Advocacy

When Joe Biden was elected U.S. President in November 2020, NAPA wasted no time putting the asphalt industry’s priorities in front of the incoming administration, submitting a detailed letter and legislative proposals. After a rollercoaster legislative process spanning most of 2021, NAPA achieved all of its strategic legislative priorities in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA), signed into law on November 15.

Beyond finally having a long-term highway funding bill, 2021 also saw the activation of our members and coalitions to get involved with the legislative process. And we marked the 20th anniversary of the TCC Fly-In, albeit virtually.

All of this welcome activity sets the stage for implementation, growth, and new opportunities in 2022 and beyond. It’s no time to rest on our accomplishments. Our staff, volunteers leaders, coalitions, and members will continue to advocate for and implement sound policies that drive the industry and keep America moving.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF GUARANTEED FUNDING

The IIJA, also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) became law on November 15, when the U.S. House passed it in a bipartisan fashion (69-30). The historic legislation put an end to short-term funding extensions, reauthorizing traditional surface transportation programs for five years, while increasing funding for those programs 55% over baseline.

“This is a sea-to-shining-sea investment in the American people. Every state stands to benefit from this law.”

2021 NAPA Chairman Jay Winford

IN SHORT, THE IIJA/BIL:

Provides $360 billion for highways and bridges over 5 years
Codifies “one federal decision” to improve project delivery
Supports advanced technology and efficiency
Offers, for the first time, federal safety contingency funds
Aims for carbon reduction

THE IIJA/BIL DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Unnecessary Buy America restrictions on asphalt and aggregates
Green New Deal provisions
Pavement mandates

FHWA released state apportionments for FY 2022 on December 14. For complete details on IIJA/BIL, read NAPA’s summary at AsphaltPavement.org/IIJA.

GETTING TO THE IIJA

From a contested election to a conflicted congress, not to mention the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, getting to a fully realized infrastructure funding bill was no easy task. NAPA was ready to hit the ground running with a new administration – and did.

Our “Build Back Better with Asphalt” document, submitted on December 4, 2020, summarized the industry’s priorities, providing a playbook for the new administration on issues such as:

Researching use of recycled plastics
Reauthorizing the Accelerated Implementation and Deployment of Pavement Technologies Program (AID-PT)
Enhancing work zone safety
Advancing low-carbon technologies
Keeping mandates out of legislation
Improving life-cycle cost data
Securing American jobs and infrastructure

“The President’s proposal to renew 20,000 miles of roads will directly benefit from the latest innovative asphalt pavement technologies that are economical, resilient, and environmentally friendly. The 150,000 essential, skilled workers throughout our industry stand ready to modernize these roadways.”

NAPA President & CEO Audrey Copeland, commenting on the President’s American Jobs Plan in April

The bipartisan act that finally passed out of the U.S. Senate in August addressed, in some way, all of these priorities, thanks to the tireless advocacy of NAPA leadership, members, and coalitions, including our State Asphalt Pavement Association partners. The bill represented a historic investment in core infrastructure, with surface transportation carrying the lion’s share.

But delays in the House of Representatives threatened the landmark bill. Only after the consequential 2021 state elections and with bipartisan support was the House able to send the bill to the President’s desk. Biden signed IIJA into law on the White House lawn on November 15, beginning a new and prolonged phase of understanding and implementing the 1,039-page law.

For the latest on infrastructure implementation, follow NAPA’s
newsletter, magazine, social media, Member Briefings, and website at
AsphaltPavement.org/IIJA.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHT ANTICIPATION

Jay Hansen appeared on the Marketplace Morning Report in December, joining others in the construction industry to discuss IIJA’s impact.

Listen Now

GRASSROOTS CRITICAL TO LOCAL & NATIONAL SUCCESS

Advocacy is everyone’s responsibility. NAPA members stepped up and spoke out to advance federal and state issues to promote infrastructure funding and sound policy development. This included:

3K+

messages to officials
460

meetings with Congressional Staff & administration
25

25 letter/signatories

The TCC Virtual Fly-In is perhaps the most visible, participative advocacy event that transportation partners undertake. May 20 marked the legislative event’s 20th anniversary, drawing 500 attendees. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and House Problem-Solvers Caucus Infrastructure Co-Chairs John Katko (R-NY) and Conor Lamb (D-PA) provided enthusiastic updates to attendees.

NAPA issued 7 press releases throughout the legislative process.
Visit our website to catch up or join our press list.

Visit asphaltpavement.org

NAPA filed comments on December 16 on the U.S. DOT’s 2022-2026 strategic framework, just 10 days after it was published for public comment.

Read NAPA's Comments DOT Draft Framework

The U.S. Department of the Interior in April announced $1.6 billion in new infrastructure projects in 2021 on public lands throughout the country. These investments in infrastructure projects were made possible by the NAPA-supported National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established in 2020 by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The National Park Service (NPS) hosted a virtual industry fair in May to highlight project requirements and provide networking opportunities.

Find updates at doi.gov/gaoa

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF GUARANTEED FUNDING