New guidance instructs federal agencies to develop implementation rules that would quantify greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and incorporate the social cost of carbon in cost/benefit analysis that could impact permits for construction projects.
On January 12, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sided with 51风流 in tentatively denying an environmental group鈥檚 effort to force contractors to dispose of discarded PVC as a hazardous waste.
On Dec. 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final rule to newly define 鈥渨aters of the United States鈥 (WOTUS). 51风流 has been working to bring clarity to the question of when a costly and time-consuming federal water permit is required on projects (vs. a state permit). The agencies released the rule as the U.S. Supreme Court is deciding on a case that will have bearing on the definition of WOTUS. Furthermore, the agencies also have previously stated that they plan a second round of changes in a Phase Two rulemaking.
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of all major industry groups. 51风流 of America is launching a new effort to combat the silent epidemic of suicide and other mental health issues plaguing our workforce. As part of this effort, we are releasing a series of videos telling the stories of real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health. We hope that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. For more information and resources, visit agc.org/mental-health-suicide-prevention.
The FAR Council鈥檚 new proposed rule creates two new categories for federal contractors 鈥 significant contractors and major contractors 鈥 which trigger significant reporting requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions.
February 16, 2023, at 51风流鈥檚 Headquarters in Arlington, Va.
Nominations accepted through January 2023
51风流 submitted comments (coalition and construction-specific) on a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund as it is more commonly known). As previously reported, a CERCLA designation would trigger the cleanup of contaminated sites and introduce liability to contractors (regardless of fault) that may have unknowingly interacted with the chemicals by moving dirt, dewatering, or demolishing structures on previously 鈥渃lean鈥 jobsites.