AGC hosted a special forum at this year's Convention focused on environmental challenges specific to the construction industry. AGC recognizes that environmental requirements have become a great and growing responsibility for contractors, delaying if not threatening construction projects and increasing the cost of doing business. AGC works year-round to provide its members with compliance tools and to advocate for constructive solutions to complex ecological and economic challenges.
To help AGC members identify, analyze, and better manage their environmental risks, AGC's environmental advisor discussed important regulatory developments that will affect contractors nationwide, including:
- National Stormwater Initiatives Aimed at Restricting Runoff from Construction Sites including new first-time nationwide numeric discharge limits and monitoring requirements
- New and Tougher Air Quality Standards & Implications for Contractors, Diesel Equipment
- California's Off-road Engine Emission Standards (other states can opt-in to California "retrofit mandate")
- Climate Change - New EPA Rules on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- EPA's Plans to Regulate Coal Combustion Waste (fly-ash).
AGC frequently reports on these topics, as well as a whole host of other environmental issues affecting the construction industry in
AGC's Environmental Observer newsletter.
Following the legal update, AGC members on the panel shared their perspectives on how these new rules will impact construction operations in the field. They also helped to answer questions from the audience, based on their own first-hand experiences.
For more information, contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org or (703)837-5332.
Photos, top left: AGC members on the panel included (L to R) Scott A. Williams, Hamilton Construction Company; Thomas L. Brown, Sierra Pacific West Inc.; and Bill Robinson, Stormwater Risk Management, LLC .
Above, right: Approximately 100 participants gathered for the environmental forum to listen, learn and share experiences, including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Connie Ruth (second row) - who also displayed EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign booth at AGC's Pavilion.