Paving the Way for American Industry Act

This bill would tighten “Buy American” rules for road, highway, and airport paint. It adds certain yellow organic pigments (the coloring used in yellow striping) to the list of construction materials that must be made in the United States for federally funded projects. To count as “made in America,” all steps of making the pigment—from mixing the starting materials through the chemical reaction that creates the final pigment—must happen in the U.S.

The change starts right away for yellow pigments used in water-based striping paints. It also applies to all striping paint formulas that include these pigments two years after the law takes effect. The Office of Management and Budget must update guidance within 90 days to put this into practice.

Key points:

• Who is affected: State and local transportation agencies, airports, road contractors, and paint suppliers using yellow striping paint.
• What changes: Yellow organic pigments for striping paints must be fully manufactured in the U.S., including the core chemical process.
• When it applies: Immediately for pigments used in water-based striping paints; to all striping paint formulas with those pigments after two years; federal guidance updated within 90 days.