API Chief Jack Gerard: Infrastructure Priorities Transcend Politics
Jack Gerard, executive director of the Washington-based American Petroleum Institute, told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Feb. 3 to put aside political differences and agree on long-term funding programs that modernize the country’s aging transportation network.
“Investing in our nation’s infrastructure means products from all industries move more efficiently within our nation, which lowers costs to consumers and gives our business and manufacturers a competitive edge in the global marketplace,” Gerard said, adding: “Our efforts must transcend political philosophies and partisan wrangling. Infrastructure investment and improvements benefit us all, regardless of our political persuasion.”
WRITTEN TESTIMONY: Read Gerard's comments in full
Gerard is just the latest official to go before a congressional panel and remind lawmakers about the growing need for federal transportation dollars around the country. Federal funding for highway programs is projected to run out when a 2012 surface transportation law expires at the end of May. Several states are considering slowing down construction projects amid financial uncertainty.
Next week, the Transportation and Infrastructure panel will meet to discuss the law’s reauthorization.
Gerard's remarks begin at about the 30:16 mark:
