(111111;:er at the launch Enema E01 BUSH September 12, 2014 Mr. Gregory G. Nadeau Acting Administrator The Federal Highway Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Acting Administrator Nadeau: We are writing you to express our concern regarding the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Illinois Division Office?s recent actions discouraging the use of green asphalt technologies in northeastern Illinois. It is our understanding that the FHWA Illinois Division Of?ce will soon begin withholding federal {?nds from Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road projects that utilize existing District 1 speci?cations for Asphalt Binder Replacement (ABR) levels. These actions by the FHWA Illinois Division?s Of?ce could have far?ranging impacts that adversely affect Illinois jobs, our districts? environmental welfare, and the expansion of proven green technologies in the transportation industry. As a result, we believe that a more collaborative and comprehensive review of the technology is needed before a decision on funding is made. As you may know, the FHWA Illinois Division Of?ce stated in a July 29, 2014 letter to IDOT that federal funds will be in jeopardy as early as the planned September 19, 2014 letting if ABR levels on projects in Northeastern Illinois, which utilize federal funding, are not reduced to meet lower statewide standards for green asphalt. FHWA is basing these special statewide provision levels on ?ndings from one survey?s anecdotal conclusion that higher levels of ABR in hot mix asphalt contribute to ?brittleness and increased cracking?. This conclusion is at odds with ?ndings in a more thorough 2012 study conducted by the Illinois Center for Technology (ICT) with cooperation from IDOT and the HWA that was published in the 2013 Transportation Research Board journal. In fact, the study found that high asphalt binder mixes, if produced and installed correctly, perform as well or better than virgin asphalt. As a result, a more thorough examination is warranted before the FHWA Illinois Division Of?ce proceeds. Green asphalt technologies such as ABR help the environment, save taxpayer dollars, and help create and sustain green transportation jobs in Illinois. HWA should undertake a collaborative process with industry and labor stakeholders in an analysis that includes a review of all aspects of a resurfacing project, including design, materials, sub-surface conditions, and construction methods. Then, based on the new analysis, the appropriate public policy decision can be made. Current transportation policy and practice in Illinois?per Illinois State Law and existing IDOT policies?should remain in place until that time. We are concerned that reconsidering federal funding for ABR would have an immediate negative impact on Illinois jobs, reduce cost savings for public agencies, and roll back much?needed environmental bene?ts gained through the use of recycled materials. This matter requires further PRINTED 0N RECYCLED PAPER research, and we encourage the FHWA to ensure that a ?nal decision is made in a collaborative and comprehensive fashion undertaken with due diligence. Thank you for your consideration of this important and time sensitive matter that would impact Illinois jobs and undermine an ongoing green infrastructure initiative. We look forward to hearing back from you on this matter. Sincerely, Mike uigley Daniel Lipinski Member of Congress Member of Congress Cheri Bustos Rodney Davis Member of Congress Member of Congress