On behalf of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing regarding President Trump’s Executive Order titled Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Good Trade Deficits. The NSSGA respectfully requests an exemption for aggregates from these measures.

The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), and our construction materials partner associations appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed actions to establish fees on Chinese Maritime Transport Operators; vessels built in China entering US Ports; operators with orders for Chinese built vessels; and mandate U.S. goods be exported on U.S. built and flagged vessels.

As suppliers of America’s essential construction materials, we write to urge caution when setting tariffs on goods from foreign countries, particularly Canada and Mexico. Our organizations represent thousands of American businesses – primarily small, family-owned businesses – that produce aggregates, asphalt, cement and concrete. These products are used in every residential, commercial and public works project in America, many of which are funded with federal, taxpayer dollars.

On behalf of the nationwide member companies of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to respectfully urge you to consider an exemption for the aggregates industry as your administration evaluates potential tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Approximately 2.8 billion tons of aggregates are produced annually in the United States. These materials are essential for various construction and industrial applications, making them a significant part of the U.S. economy.

The undersigned organizations appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) proposed expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Boundary. Our organizations represent a large and diverse cross-section of America’s agriculture, construction, energy, forestry, manufacturing, and mining sectors. Our members are vital to building a thriving national economy and are essential to achieving the nation’s critical infrastructure, supply chain, transportation, and energy goals.

On behalf of the over 400 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to express our opposition to the proposed Placitas Withdrawal, that would permanently ban future aggregate production in areas of central New Mexico, severely limiting critical resources needed in the construction of infrastructure and public works projects for this growing region. NSSGA represents aggregates producers and those who manufacture equipment and services that support the construction industry.

Alexandria, VA – Today, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley issued the following statement, sharing the concern of recent action taken by the Department of Interior.

On behalf of the 450 members of the National Sand, Stone & Gravel Association (NSSGA), we write to share our support for H.R. 3397, a bill to require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw their newly proposed rule entitled “Conservation and Landscape Health” (88 Fed. Reg. 19583 (April 3, 2023)). This legislation provides certainty to aggregate producers, as BLM’s proposed rule would dramatically shift how public lands will be managed.

On behalf of the 450 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 3195, a bill to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations and for other purposes. This legislation aims to reverse the mineral withdrawal in Northern Minnesota and reinstate the longstanding mining leases that were terminated as a part of the 20-year ban.

On behalf of the 450 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to express our strong support for House Concurrent Resolution 34. This legislation seeks to nullify the mineral withdrawal in Northern Minnesota by utilizing Section 204(c) of the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act, which permits Congress to disapprove of mineral withdrawals over 5,000 acres. NSSGA represents the aggregates and industrial sand industry, with over 9,000 facilities and more than 100,000 employees in high-paying jobs.