Clean Construction Legislation Introduced in the House

On Oct. 6, Reps. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.) introduced the AGC-supported Clean Construction Act of 2011.  The legislation is intended to minimize the impact on contractors whose equipment must comply with air quality standards in PM 2.5 non- attainment areas. The Clean Construction Act of 2011 will use a portion of congestion mitigation and air quality improvement funds to give contractors an incentive to upgrade their equipment.  Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.).  Reps. Hanna and Edwards, and Sen. Carper intend to include the legislation as part of the surface transportation reauthorization. AGC was successful in securing language in the bill requiring that a diesel retrofit and repowering of existing equipment must be proven to be effective and not adversely impact the operation of the equipment or the safety of the workers.  We will continue to work with staff throughout the legislative process to ensure this or any other legislation requiring a diesel retrofit or repower does not have a negative impact on the construction industry. For more information, please contact Sean O’Neill at (202) 547-8892 or oneills@agc.org.