Comment on Massive Expansion of Federal Jurisdiction in ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Proposed Rule UPDATE: The agencies have extended once again the public comment period on the WOTUS proposal to Nov. 14, 2014. AGC encourages members to use our template letter in the Regulatory Action Center to help craft their comments to EPA and the Corps on the agencies’ proposal. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also is circulating a set of comments, which are designed to highlight the business/industry objections to the rulemaking. AGC of America is joining the Chamber’s effort in addition to comments that AGC already filed on municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), additional forthcoming AGC of America comments, and forthcoming comments from the Waters Advocacy Coalition, where AGC sits on the steering committee. *********************************************************************************************************************************

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings is currently holding a series of task group conference calls related to net-zero energy buildings and building labels in advance of a GSA Green Building Advisory Committee (GBAC) meeting scheduled for September 2014.  The task groups are preparing final recommendations to propose to GSA for consideration at the GBAC meeting.

Government Agencies Make Commitments in Support In July 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with six other government agencies, committed to support specific green infrastructure* initiatives through an inter-agency collaborative led by EPA.  Participating agencies include the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Department of Energy.

Members and chapters encouraged to apply: deadline is 10/31. AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of the 2015 AGC/Alliant Build America and the AGC in the Community competitions.  AGC encourages all member companies in good standing who meet the competition requirements to apply.  With several categories and types of projects from which to choose, including an environmental category, we hope there is a “right fit” for one of your projects. 

Last Chance to Comment on Contractor Survey The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awaiting final approval from the White House to survey general contractors regarding their recent renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities in public- and private-sector commercial buildings.  More data is needed on whether or not RRP activities in buildings expose the public to lead-based paint (LBP) dust. If EPA determines such activities create LBP “hazards,” the agency will write additional rules that will apply to building contractors.

A newly proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would give the agency the authority to cut into the paychecks of those who owe it a debt, such as a fine or penalty for an alleged environmental violation.  EPA would be allowed to garnish up to 15 percent of the “disposable pay” of delinquent debtors who do not work for the federal government via a process known as administrative wage garnishment – all without a court order.

Quickly and easily prepare and communicate your stormwater inspection and corrective action reports right from an iPad with AGC’s new “Stormwater App.”  Spend less time managing paperwork and more time being productive. Your first 10 stormwater reports are FREE. Just click here from your iPad or visit the app store on iTunes and search “Stormwater” to download the free trial. Additional reports are just $.99 each.

On July 16, following a hearing on EPA’s expanded Clean Water Act Permit veto authority, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a markup to move several bills to the full House. Among them were three AGC-supported pieces of legislation designed to improve the process for Clean Water Act permits and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) overall regulatory process. These bills included the Regulatory Certainty Act of 2014, designed to define a clear window for EPA to exercise its veto authority under section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act. This would address the issue of retroactive vetoes of the permit years after construction had begun as well as preemptive vetoes, removing large swaths of land from development before a permit has even been requested. The measure was introduced by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio).

On July 15, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing to explore the expanded view of authority that the courts have affirmed for EPA under section 404 (c) of the Clean Water Act. AGC’s Senior Environmental Advisor, Leah Pilconis was on hand to testify.

On June 23, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down elements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stationary sources or facilities.  The decision comes while EPA is accepting comments on proposed rules to restrict GHG emissions from power plants.