Alexandria, VA – National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association President & CEO Michael Johnson issued the following statement after the Surface Transportation Board released its reciprocal switching rule.

 “The nation’s aggregates and industrial sand industries applauds the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for issuing a proposed Reciprocal Switching Rule. This commonsense rule will promote efficiency, competition and drive economic growth.

 “The proposed rule is a first step to recognizing the importance of a well-functioning transportation system for the vital industrial sand and aggregates industries. As our nation's energy and infrastructure demands continue to rise, reliable rail service is paramount to ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of essential materials needed to produce energy and build our communities energy, water and transportation networks. NSSGA is grateful to the STB for its diligent efforts in developing a rule that promotes market-based solutions to address inadequate rail service and will ultimately lead to broader economic output. We believe that this initiative will promote fairness, efficiency and accountability within the rail freight system, benefiting all stakeholders involved. We look forward to working collaboratively with the STB, as they work to finalize this essential proposal.”

CONTACT: Kerry Lynch
(703) 526-1072, klynch@nssga.org