Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall announced a decision to change the asphalt import program to address potential shortages. The decision allows for increased imports of finished asphalt and was made after consultation with various federal agencies. The goal is to ensure ample asphalt supplies for road construction projects and address factors such as technological changes and price increases. The Office of Emergency Planning will investigate the national security implications of relaxing import restrictions on asphalt-bearing crude oils. The study is expected to be completed in two to three months.