Agency Seeks Input on Improvements The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated ChemView, an online tool to find information about nearly 10,000 chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). AGC members have reported that it is sometimes difficult to find useful information on chemicals used in construction – this new resource may assist contractors in evaluating chemicals and their potential hazards, as well as making more informed choices about the products they use on the job site. In addition, there are numerous green building rating systems that now “give points” for avoiding the use of certain chemicals.

Registration is now open for an AGC Federal Stormwater Update webinar on Dec. 15, 2014, from 2:00pm-3:30pm.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets construction site stormwater requirements for the entire country.  Hear straight from agency staff what contractors need to do to stay in compliance and what you can expect down the road.  Get the latest on the rules, tools, and technologies headed to your state.  We will also discuss what industry experts are seeing “in-the-field” as well as the dos and don’ts to meeting stormwater permit requirements. Click here to register now.

Early Registration Deadline Approaching No one knows the future, but gaining a comprehensive view of where you are, where you are going and where you need to be can only strengthen the educated decisions construction professionals have to make everyday. Tuesday, Nov. 4 is the early registration deadline for the 2015 AGC Annual Convention, March 18-20 in San Juan, PR. Save $150.00 off standard registration rates, register today!

Get Started At Least 90 Days Before Your Current Approval Expires! It is time to start thinking about renewing your U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) program certifications. Any construction firm – or you/your employees – are subject to this rule if you perform work for compensation that disturbs lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities or schools (with kids six years or younger) built before 1978. Remember that renovation firm and renovator certifications both expire every five years. EPA is encouraging contractors to show that they are an “EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm” by displaying the agency’s new logo. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA may file an enforcement action against violators of the LRRP rule seeking penalties of up to $37,500 per violation, per day.

The Office of Advocacy, an independent office within the Small Business Administration (SBA), has submitted their formal comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the proposed rule redefining “waters of the U.S.” and the scope of the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Green Building Advisory Committee is recommending that all federal agencies move towards net-zero energy at their facilities, including the retrofit of existing facilities and targets for new construction.  Specific recommendations were called out for GSA; its Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings has been exploring whether to make net-zero energy commitments at its facilities, as previously reported by AGC.

Accepting Pledges Now Through November 10! AGC has renewed its commitment to holding an annual Hard Hat Recycling Challenge as part of America Recycles Day this November 15th.   Will you accept the challenge?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is evaluating whether or not to add ammonium nitrate to the list substances regulated under its Risk Management Plan (RMP).  EPA's announcement comes as a request for information, which often signals a federal agency's intent to pursue notice-and-comment rulemaking.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published notice that it would not be revising its regulations on backup generators in response to three petitions for reconsideration it had received after it promulgated its final rule in January 2013. The NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) rule had sparked controversy, because EPA allowed backup generators to operate for up to 100 hours a year, though EPA did require use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel beginning in January 2015.

You can help focus AGC’s green building efforts to better meet your needs. AGC’s Director of Green Construction is inviting green building professionals who work at member firms to participate on a “brainstorming” conference call on October 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM Eastern Time about AGC’s green building resources.