As the US aggregates industry heads into a pivotal end to 2026, regulatory reform, infrastructure investment and political uncertainty are all competing for attention. Yet, according to National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) president and CEO Michele Stanley, the sector’s priorities remain clear: protect workers, secure long-term infrastructure funding, modernise permitting and strengthen industry advocacy.

In a wide-ranging interview with Aggregates Business, Stanley discusses silica regulation, permitting reform, the outlook for infrastructure reauthorisation, membership growth and why coalition-building may be the key to the industry’s future success.

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association President and CEO Michele Stanley issued the following statement after the 2026 elections calling on Congress to work together to pass a multi-year, surface transportation reauthorization.

“Now that the voters have spoken, it is time for leaders from both parties to set politics aside and work together to deliver results for our country. We look forward to working with the new 120th Congress to continue advancing the aggregates industry’s priority issues. Our roads, bridges and highways need long-term funding and certainty for project planning.

New Orleans, LA (October 28, 2026)—World of Asphalt and AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo invite aggregates and asphalt professionals around the world to register for the shows' New Orleans debut, happening March 15-17, 2027, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

World of Asphalt and AGG1 bring the full asphalt, paving and aggregates industries together in one place, connecting contractors, producers, plant managers, materials suppliers, engineers and other industry professionals with the latest equipment, technologies, products and services. Attendees can speak directly with manufacturers and engineers, learn directly from industry experts, and build valuable relationships across the asphalt and aggregates industries all in one trip.