On Feb. 17, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, after contentious debate and on a 52-46 vote that fell largely along party lines. In the days that followed, Pruitt has given more clues about the Agency’s changing focus and direction.
With President Trump in office and a Republican Congress, it would appear that opportunity exists to improve the regulatory system, as well as the compliance and enforcement process. As previously reported, AGC shared a comprehensive federal agency regulatory, compliance and enforcement plan with members of Congress and the Trump Presidential Transitional Team calling for changes to reduce barriers to investment in infrastructure. Building on the plan, AGC has prepared two additional documents to help keep AGC members -- and political leaders -- abreast with key developments and focused on the construction industry’s priorities. These documents chart a path forward for meaningful reform.
AGC Welcomes StormwaterONE as CICA's 2017 Platinum Level Supporter
Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have increased civil penalties for new enforcement cases. This is the second time in six months that these federal agencies have raised their penalties for environmental or safety/health violations.
Call for Presentations Is Open; Save the Date for September 13-14
Join AGC and EPA for this Free WebEd on March 1 at 1:30pm Eastern
The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 13 announced it will resolve a dispute over what court should hear the legal challenges to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ controversial 2015 rule that redefines the term “Waters of the United States” in the Federal Code of Regulations. The WOTUS rule determines what waters and wet areas are subject to federal control, water quality limits, permitting, enforcement and other reviews under the Clean Water Act. States, industry, environmental advocates and others criticized the 2015 WOTUS rule in a host of district courts and courts of appeals.
AGC Highlights Major Accomplishments, Notable Changes and Areas for Improvement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its final 2017 Construction General Permit (CGP). It takes effect on Feb. 16, 2017, which is when the 2012 CGP expires. As with any reissued CWA discharge permit, there comes new or modified requirements. AGC served its members well by making sure the construction industry’s top issues of concern were heard and vetted. We kept the most troubling provisions out – and we got some new clarifying language and flexible provisions worked in. Looking ahead, the new language on “joint and several liability” may prove to be contentious and will likely be a key focus of near-term debate and future improvement.