My fellow Titan America Collegues,
Thanks to all of you who have taken an interest in our efforts to influence Government – State and Federal – and have participated in our “Calls to Action”. You can expect them to be more frequent in the next few months. Your involvement will be necessary and will make a difference.
All Titan America product lines have been affected by the actions of Government. Primarily, this impact has taken the form of increased regulations from EPA, NLRB, MSHA, and other regulatory agencies. There is significant legislation that will impact Titan America and our jobs. We will strive to keep you informed of these regulations and legislation.
In the area of cement, the EPA has proposed NESHAP emission standards that will mandate expensive and unnecessary capital expenditures during a time of economic stress in order to achieve. We can spend our limited resources better without the government’s regulations. There is legislation on the House floor and the Senate that will push back these overly stringent EPA requirements.
Concrete is affected by rules changes from the NLRB that would effectively implement the CARD CHECK legislation that the American people did not want and Congress did not pass last year. These changes would shorten the time for employees to vote in union organizing drives and open the door to intimidation and coercion tactics. We are aggressively pushing back on these regulations. Also, the FHWA is promoting a reduction in drivers’ allowable hours. This action would reduce pay checks and reduce the level of service our company could deliver. Again, we are pushing back by explaining that concrete delivery is not over the road delivery.
Concrete Block has an opportunity to promote, to do research and development, and to educate the public regarding the positives of masonry construction. We are pushing this legislation with Sen. Rubio, and it’s promising at this time.
An issue that affects all product lines from cement to aggregates is Highway funding. This is going to be tough with the concerns over increasing taxes. Our industry and our company needs increases in Highway funding and not cuts, but that looks like what the eventual outcome in the House and Senate. We are involved with a multi company, multi industry effort to hold or increase investment in our infrastructure system. We will keep you posted on the results of this effort.
Finally, we are calling on members of the House and Senate at both the Federal and State levels. We have a coordinated program to make our representatives in DC aware or our interests. I urge you to get involved, register to vote, and learn about the various issues that affect your jobs, your company, and your industry. A great resource is this website www.voiceoftitanamerica.com . We are updating this site almost daily so that you have the latest news on the issues that will help or hurt us all.
Thank you again,
Hardy Johnson
Chief Governmental/Public Affairs Officer