The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 established an energy and renewable energy worker training program through a provision known as the Green Jobs Act, which would limit training grant funding only to entities that coordinate with labor organizations. AGC is supportive of the creation of such a grant program as part of an effort to create an efficient and renewable energy-skilled workforce. However, AGC believes that the opportunity to qualify for such grants should be open to all contractors, both union and open shop, with accredited training programs.
An AGC Environmental Network and Navigant Consulting, Inc WebinarGain insight into the Green Incentives and Sustainability policies contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 during this webinar, hosted by AGC's Environmental Network and Navigant Consulting, Inc., June 3, 1:30-3:00 pm ET.Understand the details of the sustainable and green provisions outlined in the ARRA as well as the potential impact on construction project financing and lending standards. Information will be provided on the current credit and lending issues as well as the impact on financing contained in portions of the ARRA, specifically green incentives. Register here.For more information, contact Melinda Tomaino at (703) 837-5415 or tomainom@agc.org.
Recognizing that AGC is a strong supporter of voluntary diesel retrofit efforts and initiatives at both the national and local levels, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited AGC to participate in the Southeast Diesel Collaborative's partners meeting, scheduled for June 15-17 in Atlanta. The goal of the meeting is to identify new opportunities to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines (like those used in construction equipment) with a specific focus on innovative technologies, clean diesel, and renewable energy sources. AGC's Senior Environmental Advisor Leah Pilconis will present AGC's perspective on how to balance contractor business and economic concerns with air quality goals. Register online at no charge at http://www.southeastdiesel.org and be part of a large gathering of federal, state and local officials; environmental advocacy groups; fleet owners; and other diesel stakeholders. For more information, click here or contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org
Recognizing that AGC of America is a strong supporter of voluntary diesel retrofit efforts and initiatives at both the national and local levels, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited AGC to participate in the Southeast Diesel Collaborative's partners meeting, scheduled for June 15-17 in Atlanta. The goal of the meeting is to identify new opportunities to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines (like those used in construction equipment) with a specific focus on innovative technologies, clean diesel and renewable energy sources. AGC's Senior Environmental Advisor Leah Pilconis will present AGC's perspective on how to balance contractor business and economic concerns with air quality goals. Register online at no charge at http://www.southeastdiesel.org and be part of a large gathering of federal, state and local officials; environmental advocacy groups; fleet owners; and other diesel stakeholders.
The EPA's new "Renovation, Repair, and Painting" program requires contractors who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified and to follow specific lead-safe work practices by April 2010. The agency recently announced that it has begun to review and accredit training providers to conduct the courses that contractors covered by the lead rules are required to complete. Such contractors should start planning now in order to meet the upcoming compliance dates; EPA expects training opportunities to begin in summer 2009. Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. For example, all contractors should: contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly.For additional information, visit EPA's Web site at http://epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm. In the coming months, EPA will also post a list of accredited trainers on its Web site. You can also call the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1(800) 424-LEAD [5323] to find out more.For more information, click here or contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org or (703) 837-5332.
Industry Would Voluntarily Contribute Additional $20M to Support Retrofit EffortIn an unprecedented nationwide effort to reduce emissions from construction equipment, 15 AGC Chapters have asked the EPA for more than $31 million in grant funding to clean up approximately 1,000 diesel machines that are currently in use on AGC-members' jobsites. These AGC Chapters - representing 9 out of 10 EPA Regions - have leveraged an additional $20 million plus in matching funds and "in-kind" contributions by pulling together an impressive array of project partners. The current grant competition is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. If AGC's collective effort is fully funded, it would create and/or preserve more than 1,000 jobs.Diesel grant applications were due to EPA on April 28. EPA is currently reviewing project proposals and will announce "winners" over the next 30 days. Private construction companies cannot apply (on their own) for an EPA diesel retrofit grant. Interested AGC members are encouraged to contact their local AGC Chapters to discuss future opportunities to apply for federal funding. AGC and its Chapters are grateful for the assistance that the equipment dealers and engine/equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Cummins provided for this effort - and particularly the assistance that Caterpillar Emissions Solutions provided in making an outside consultant available to review AGC Chapter applications. AGC expects additional Chapters to compete for federal diesel retrofit funds in the near future. EPA will hold another grant competition in August 2009 (EPA fiscal year 2009 appropriations), although it will be for much less money - around $60M. Also, there will be another opportunity to apply for funding in 2010.For more information, click here or contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org or (703) 837-5332.
Democratic proponents of a bill that would create a cap and trade system to control greenhouse gas emissions are continuing negotiations within their own party in advance of a week-long markup of the legislation in the House Energy and Commerce Committee next week.
On May 14, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to modernize, upgrade and green America's schools by a vote of 275-155. The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187) invests billions of dollars in school repair and renovation projects that would create safer, healthier and more energy-efficient learning environments for students.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new "Renovation, Repair, and Painting" program requires contractors who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified and to follow specific lead-safe work practices by April 2010. The agency recently announced that it has begun to review and accredit training providers to conduct the courses that contractors covered by the lead rules are required to complete. Such contractors should start planning now in order to meet the upcoming compliance dates; EPA expects training opportunities to begin in summer 2009.
Industry Would Voluntarily Contribute Additional $20M to Support Retrofit Effort
In an unprecedented nationwide effort to reduce emissions from construction equipment, 15 AGC Chapters have asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than $31 million in grant funding to clean up approximately 1,000 diesel machines that are currently in use on AGC-members' jobsites. These AGC Chapters - representing 9 out of 10 EPA Regions - have leveraged an additional $20 million plus in matching funds and "in-kind" contributions by pulling together an impressive array of project partners. The current grant competition is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. If AGC's collective effort is fully funded, it would create and/or preserve more than 1,000 jobs.