2019 state by state report: Oklahoma

Pit & Quarry connected with Devery Youngblood, the executive director of the Oklahoma Aggregates Association, to discuss his optimism for Oklahoma’s aggregate industry in 2020.

Describe the current state of the industry within Oklahoma in a word or two: Politically targeted

His outlook for 2020: We lost two big political battles in the legislature last year, but will win one back this year. The industry is strong but for this.

Greatest opportunities available to aggregate producers in Oklahoma: Getting our message out to a broader coalition of business and community leaders who can help us stand up against destructive legislation.

Greatest challenges facing producers in Oklahoma: Rising operational costs (i.e., insurance, rail costs), as well as external political challenges.

On the likelihood of a multi-year federal infrastructure bill passing in 2020: Oklahoma’s senior senator (Jim Inhofe) tells us talks are underway at the White House and there is bipartisan support. But it is hard to imagine progress in this political atmosphere.

Other comments on the state of the industry in Oklahoma: We are shifting from being defensive and internally focused to being proactive to get our message out and make new influential friends and putting ourselves, rightfully, at the center of Oklahoma’s and America’s economic growth.