On behalf of the more than 2,000 member locations of NATSO, the national association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, today urged the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm Pete Buttigieg as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

NATSO looks forward to partnering with Mr. Buttigieg on the Biden Administration’s infrastructure initiatives and goals. NATSO is encouraged that the Biden Administration considers infrastructure investment as a key driver of economic and job relief and one of its top priorities.

“NATSO is ready to work with Mr. Buttigieg on an array of transportation issues, including the need for long-term, sustainable highway funding and the need to support policies that encourage off-highway businesses and communities to thrive and evolve,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “Fundamental to this effort is maintaining existing policies that prohibit commercialization of Interstate rest areas and the longstanding ban on tolling existing Interstate Highways.

“NATSO is also eager to work with Mr. Buttigieg on policies that further encourage private-sector investment in alternative fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging, to more quickly bring alternative fuels to market,” Mullings said.

NATSO’s members encompass a nationwide network of fuel retailers crisscrossing the American landscape that are making significant investments in alternative fuels. Located at the Interstate Highway exits, these businesses comprise the economic backbone of the small towns and communities in which they operate and represent the most viable partners for advancing some of the Biden Administration’s key infrastructure goals.

NATSO is pleased that Mr. Buttigieg recognizes the important role that Federal infrastructure policy plays for local businesses and communities that thrive because of the Interstate Highway System.