Surface Tech Launches “Takin’ Hill to the Streets” Blog: How Asphalt Paving Companies Can Succeed Under the Emerging “Buy Clean” Requirements

Surface Tech, a leading producer of low carbon asphalt reinforcement solutions, announces the launch of a new educational resource for the asphalt pavement industry focused on implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Both these bills were enacted during the 117th Congress and implementation by many Federal agencies are in full swing.

“There is a tremendous need to educate asphalt companies, state DOT’s, and local agencies on the changing procurement rules intended to drive down carbon emissions during the entire life cycle of asphalt pavements,” said Steve Santa Cruz, President of Surface Tech. “We intend to be that resource during these changing times.”

Jay Hansen, Vice President of Government Affairs will be responsible for preparing the blog and serving as a resource for the asphalt pavement industry as multiple Federal and state agencies implement the legislative text of IIJA and IRA. Jay Hansen is a veteran of six surface transportation reauthorization bills (ISTEA, TEA-21, SAFETEA-LU, MAP-21, FAST Act, and IIJA) in Congress and with the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

“IIJA and the companion IRA bill establish a market differential for asphalt companies who produce low-carbon asphalt material and those who do not. Getting on the right side of the equation will be key for asphalt companies to be successful in the future,” Jay Hansen said.

“Jay Hansen is keenly knowledgeable on these bills, he is deeply respected industry-wide for his advice and counsel, and he knows how Washington works,” Steve Santa Cruz added. “This is a critical value added for our customers and the asphalt industry in general. Surface Tech wants to help asphalt companies become educated and more importantly, deploy solutions for a low carbon asphalt pavement network.

The first blog post, which can be found here, starts at the top with President Biden’s Executive Order 14047 which outlines the Federal government’s approach to using the power of the purse to lower carbon emissions in construction materials including asphalt. Future blog posts will focus on the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to label low-carbon asphalt materials and the Federal Highway Administration’s efforts to require every contractor to have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

Stakeholders in the asphalt pavement industry are free to reach out to Jay Hansen at jay.hansen@surface-tech.com with questions, comments, or assistance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jay Hansen joined Surface Tech following a long and distinguished career at the National Asphalt Pavement Association and in the U.S. Congress where he worked on legislation from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA) in 1991, to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021. Jay will serve as an ongoing resource for Surface Tech customers to help them get ahead of the growth curve and be ready for shifting market conditions as they occur in 2023 and beyond.

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CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

JASON MARTIN

As a leader with both creative and analytical skills, Jason oversees the planning, development, and execution of Surface Tech’s marketing and advertising strategies. He has been responsible of late for clarifying the company’s value proposition through a series of new branding executions resulting in a revamped website and other improvements in the company’s strategic marketing initiatives.

Jason brings more than 25 years of industrial design, branding, and manufacturing experience to his new role as CMO. His work has appeared in leading design publications, and he has received numerous international design awards. His portfolio includes more than 40 design and utility patents in the fields of consumer electronics, software, packaging, medical devices, and software. Speed to market, with a critical eye for detail and simplicity, is the driving force behind his multidisciplinary design process.

Jason holds a BS in Industrial Design from The Ohio State University. His previous work experience includes Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Skylab Architecture, and founder of New Studio. 

Stacie Steel

U.S. Northwest

Stacie Steel, PE, offers a depth of experience in asphalt and concrete pavements. She has provided infrastructure-related civil engineering and project management consulting services to both public and private sector clients for the past 20 years.

Stacie’s technical expertise centers around all things pavements: structural design, materials design and specifications, sustainability, life-cycle cost analyses, pavement management, preservation and rehabilitation, QA/QC, materials testing, and forensic evaluations.

Throughout her career, she has worked on paving projects for many national commercial retailers, municipalities, and airports. Stacie has proven leadership and organizational capabilities, as evidenced by earning the President’s Choice Award from the WTS Colorado Chapter early in her career. She currently serves on the WTS Puget Sound Chapter’s TransportationYOU Committee, and is dedicated to ensuring access to local outdoor recreation opportunities serving on the Board of Directors for the Lonesome Lake Preservation Group.