In this episode, we cover the steps the Biden Administration has taken related to construction and the environment. AGC’s Director of Environmental Services Melinda Tomaino walks you through the environmental highlights and headlines on WOTUS (waters of the United States), species-related issues, climate change policy developments and implications for projects, and environmental review and approvals. Find out how 鶹Ƶis making timely decisions and setting priorities, the important role 鶹Ƶplays in policymaking, and how you can get involved.
鶹Ƶfiled a joint April 18 “friend-of-the-court” brief in the case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency at the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will take a fresh look at what are “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which may limit federal agencies’ permitting and enforcement authority over construction work in isolated wetlands and ephemeral streams. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) will need to factor the Court’s decision into their planned WOTUS rulemakings.
Construction Official Says New Guidance will Undermine New Bipartisan Infrastructure Measure’s Benefits, Adds the Kind of Red Tape that Betrays Americans’ Confidence in Federal Spending
Construction employment exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 32 states in March, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the government should support more career opportunities to enable people to work in the industry.
Prices of materials and services used in new nonresidential construction jumped more than 21 percent from March 2021 to March 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. The association urged the Biden administration to relieve major cost pressures by removing the remaining tariffs on aluminum, steel, and Canadian lumber.