On behalf of the members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to share our strong support of the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act. I thank the committee for their leadership in drafting this legislation that will improve shipping conditions, allowing America’s aggregates producers to move essential building materials and industrial sand to the market. NSSGA is the leading voice and advocate for the aggregates industry. It is no secret that rail service conditions are failing for the aggregates industry.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) President and CEO Michael Johnson issued the following statement on the recent crisis facing freight rail shippers and its impact to the aggregates industry. NSSGA recently submitted comments to the Surface Transportation Board detailing these issues and urging action.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (“NSSGA”) submits these written comments to the Surface Transportation Board (“STB” or “Board”) pursuant to the April 7, 2022, Notice from the STB in the proceeding referenced above, which permits “written comments by any other interested person” concerning freight service. NSSGA members use freight rail to supply aggregates, particularly in fast growing metropolitan areas. The Association of American Railroads (“AAR”) estimates that freight rail moved 1.1 million rail cars of stone, sand, and gravel in 2020.

The National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association (NSSGA) respectively submits this letter to thank Chairs Peter DeFazio and Donald Payne, Ranking Members Sam Graves and Rick Crawford, and the Members of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials (Committee) for holding this important and timely hearing on “Stakeholder Views on Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization” on March 8, 2022. NSSGA strongly supports the funding of the STB to ensure it can properly and effectively carry out its statutory duties.

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (“NSSGA”) respectfully submits its comments in the above-captioned proceeding in accordance with the Surface Transportation Board (“STB” or “Board”) Notice of Public Hearing (“Notice”) served on December 28, 2021.