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Committee OKs measure pushing local agencies to explain when they reject recycled asphalt use
Summary
The Senate Transportation Committee passed AB 978, a bill that would require local agencies to allow the use of recycled asphalt pavement to the extent feasible and, upon request, explain why they did not allow it. Supporters said the change would increase recycling, reduce landfill use and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The California State Senate Transportation Committee voted to pass Assembly Bill 978, sending the measure to the Committee on Appropriations. Assemblymember Hoover, the bill’s author, said AB 978 seeks to promote the use of recycled materials, including recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), in local road projects and to require local agencies, upon request, to provide written reasoning if they determine use is not feasible.
Hoover told the committee that currently local agencies must allow recycled materials to the extent feasible and cost‑effective but that bidders report administrative burdens or other reasons lead some agencies to disadvantage bids proposing recycled materials. “As California continues to adopt sustainable and cost saving practices, we must encourage these agencies to do the same,” Hoover said.
Supporting testimony came from Don Roland, vice president of government affairs for Granite Construction, who described RAP as made from grinding and reusing existing asphalt material and said, “RAP is 100% recyclable.” Roland said Caltrans permits up to 25% RAP in new asphalt production and that the bill would remove a sunset date and clarify that local projects can allow 25% RAP; he emphasized the bill would not mandate RAP.
Todd Blumstein of the Southern California Contractors Association also spoke in support. Senator Richardson asked a cost question; witnesses and the author said price can vary by market but that recycled asphalt generally costs less overall in many areas.
Committee procedure and vote: Vice Chair Strickland moved the bill. The committee recorded the motion as passed and the chair said the bill is out, with the committee registering 13 yes votes on the motion. The measure was sent to the Committee on Appropriations.
What the bill would do: AB 978 would continue the requirement that local agencies allow recycled materials to the extent feasible and cost‑effective and would add a requirement that, when requested by a bidder, a local agency provide its reasoning if it determines using recycled materials is not feasible.
Next steps: The bill will be considered by the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
