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Browse by Date - 201501

New Infrastructure Finance Proposal by Congressman John Delaney Should Spur Vigorous Debate Over How to Use Tax Reform to Fix Infrastructure

The chief executive officer of AGC of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in response to the release of the Infrastructure 2.0 Act by Maryland Congressman John Delaney: "The Congressman's proposal puts a lot of good ideas on the table that we hope spur vigorous discussion over how best to use tax reform to finance America's aging infrastructure. Congressman Delaney is a serious legislator who understands what levers Congress can use to spur economic growth.

EPA Release Final Version of Science Report on Connectivity of Waters

Final WOTUS Rule Expected Spring 2015 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development released the final version of the much-anticipated report providing the main scientific underpinning for its “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) proposed rule.  As AGC expected, the report concludes that streams, wetlands and riparian areas are connected to downstream waters, and that isolated waters influence these waters also (albeit to a sometimes lesser degree).  This final report incorporates feedback from the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) panel convened to review the document.

OFCCP Clarifies VEVRAA Self-Identification Requirements

Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) posted information on its website alerting contractors that they are no longer required to invite applicants to self-identify with a particular category of protected veterans post-offer.  The posting came in the form of an update to its Frequently Asked Questions page regarding the regulations set to enforce the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).  The regulations went into effect in March of 2014.

EPA Proposes Cost-Saving Revisions to Current Lead Paint Rules

Refresher Training for Renovators May Move to Entirely Online Format On Jan. 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule that would eliminate the requirement that the renovator refresher training have a hands-on component and extend the recertification deadline for a portion of renovators, so they can take advantage of this change.  The proposal  would also eliminate the need to pay accreditation and certification fees in the multiple states where EPA administers the program for Lead-based Paint (LBP) Activities (abatement, inspection and risk assessment).  In addition, EPA proposes to clarify certain responsibilities for training providers under both the RRP and LBP Activities programs.

Ballast Water Discharges from Small Vessels Now Require Federal Permit Coverage

As of Dec. 19, 2014, if you own or operate a non-recreational vessel less than 79 feet in length (such as a ferry, tug/tow boat, barge, cargo freighter, etc.) in any “waters of the Unites States,” you need to secure coverage under an National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit before you may legally discharge ballast water from these small commercial vessel. 

AGC Participates in White House Conference on Veterans Hiring in Transportation

Last week, AGC President Al Landes participated in the “Joining Forces Veterans Transportation Employment Forum” at the White House, which focused on issues related to hiring veterans in various transportation sectors. President Landes was part of a panel moderated by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary, to highlight and promote best practices across the Transportation Industry. Landes was able to discuss the issue from the perspective of his own company, Herzog Contracting Corp., and with an overall construction industry perspective as well. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx participated in the meeting as well. Hiring veterans has been one of First Lady Michelle Obama’s priority projects and it seems that the administration has maintained that focus.