NUCA Statement On President Trump’s Congressional Address

The chief executive officer of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), Doug Carlson, issued the following statement on President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress during the evening of March 4, 2025:

“NUCA is looking forward to working with the Trump Administration rebuilding America’s water, wastewater, and transportation infrastructure, all of which needs upgrading and repair. We earnestly hope that Congress will take up the President’s call to pass legislation codifying regulatory and permitting reforms, reauthorizing critical tax provisions, and supporting the development of our domestic workforce.”

“However, our members remain concerned with the Administration’s emphasis on tariffs, and especially those on steel, aluminum, and other critical construction materials. While NUCA strongly supports efforts to increase the domestic manufacturing of the robust products we use to build America’s clean water infrastructure, an increase of 25 percent on these foundational materials will raise project costs, delay project completion, and further strain the American taxpayer who finances these community improvements.

“Many of the products used to build federally-funded infrastructure are already manufactured in the United States to comply with Buy America regulations. These broad tariffs can also adversely impact a project’s supply chain.”

“NUCA urges the Trump Administration to reconsider the tariffs on our North American trading partners, and on steel, aluminum, and other construction materials. We encourage the Administration to consider exemptions for critical materials used in domestic infrastructure projects. And we stand ready to work with the Administration on behalf of our associate members and suppliers to examine and reform the many regulatory and economic roadblocks that drive overseas the manufacturing of these industry-demanded products.”

“NUCA and our members look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to help build a stronger America through stronger American infrastructure.”