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Update: GSA Green Building Advisory Committee Votes to Recommend Strengthening Net-Zero Energy Commitments

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.

EPA Considers Revising Risk Management Plan Rules to Prevent Ammonium Nitrate Releases

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.

EPA Declines to Amend Its Backup Generator Rule

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.

DOT Set to Release DBE Rule Revisions – Many of AGC Concerns Addressed

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is about to release revisions to its disadvantaged business enterprise utilization (DBE) rules. The new rules were first proposed in September 2012 and, while considered by DOT to be “minor” adjustments, they will have a significant impact on the highway construction industry.

New ATM Coalition Media Campaign Calls on Congress to Address Highway Funding

The AGC supported Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) Coalition is a collaborative effort by business, labor, transportation stakeholders and concerned citizens to advocate for improved and increased federal investment in the nation’s transportation system. As lawmakers head back to their districts before the midterm elections, ATM launched a regionally focused, multi-platform ad campaign urging Congress to develop a long-term solution to the Highway Trust Fund insolvency.

AGC Environmental Forum Exclusive: Registration Open for a Green Builder Focus Group Conference Call on October 20th

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.

EPA Identifies Health Concern from Chemicals Used in Paint Strippers

Workers who use paint strippers containing methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), are at risk for cancer and other health problems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in an assessment released on Aug. 28.  EPA estimates that over 230,000 workers nationwide are directly exposed to DCM-based strippers. The findings of EPA’s final risk assessment could move the agency to regulate DCM. 

AGC to Offer Free Highway Work Zone Safety Training Programs

AGC will provide free highway work zone safety training classes next year thanks to a federal safety grant the association earned. AGC was awarded a Susan Harwood Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to offer the safety training classes designed to prevent injuries among highway, street and bridge construction workers. The highway work zone safety program will be offered in eight different locations beginning in January 2015.

Federal Air Quality Standards Update: How Low Will EPA Go and How Much of the Country Will Face Nonattainment?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified areas in six states as not meeting the new, more stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), set back in 2012. But the rest of the country is not in the clear because EPA is expected to tighten the ozone NAAQS to a level that would put an area in almost every state in violation – and impose unprecedented clean-up costs.  Already states are struggling to secure the emission reductions they need to develop “approvable” state implementation plans. EPA is expected to soon publish a finding that at least two states with nitrogen dioxide nonattainment areas failed to submit adequate air plans, potentially leading to Clean Air Act sanctions. 

AGC to Provide Highway Work Zone Safety Training Program Thanks to New Federal Grant

AGC of America will provide highway work zone safety training classes next year thanks to a federal safety grant the association earned. The association will use the $135,000 Susan Harwood Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to offer the safety training classes designed to prevent injuries among highway, street and bridge construction workers, officials said.

Advanced Management Program: November 9-14, 2014, Dallas, Texas

Only four seats left for AGC’s Advanced Management Program (AMP) being held Nov. 9– 14, 2014, in Dallas, Texas.  For leaders in the construction industry, no program provides a more comprehensive, uniquely focused program for construction executives than AGC's Advanced Management Program. The AMP Program is designed for chief executives and senior level management in construction.  A minimum of ten (10) years of construction experience is needed or six years of construction experience and a Bachelors degree are required for acceptance into this competitive course.