ROCKS Act included in surface transportation reauthorization bill

The ROCKS Act would establish a working group to study the use of aggregates and recommend practices and policies to ensure continued access to them. Photo: P&Q Staff

The Senate Environment & Public Works Committee (EPW) approved by a unanimous vote the bipartisan Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, which includes the Rebuilding Our Communities by Keeping aggregates Sustainable (ROCKS) Act.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) reported this development and offered commentary on it.

“During the markup of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, we greatly appreciate the committee’s approval of S. 1672, the Rebuilding Our Communities by Keeping aggregates Sustainable (ROCKS) Act,” says Michele Stanley, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at NSSGA. “This important amendment, which was introduced by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), ensures every community has sustainable access to aggregates. Today’s action is a strong signal of the bipartisan support for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, including the ROCKS Act.”

According to NSSGA, the ROCKS Act amendment requires the secretary of transportation to establish a working group to study the use of aggregates and recommend practices and policies to ensure continued access to them.

“With today’s markup, the ROCKS Act has now been approved by the Senate EPW Committee, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the full House of Representatives,” Stanley says. “NSSGA will continue to advocate to ensure the ROCKS Act is signed into law.”