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Preparing Buildings for the Next Natural Disaster -- Resilience Series Part 2

As news reports of the human and infrastructure tolls of natural disasters become ever more prevalent, so to do discussions on how to make our buildings and other infrastructure more resilient to those forces.  Several key players in land use and development, including buildings’ research and standards organizations, have been looking at going beyond the minimum thresholds currently in use to further address disaster preparedness, safety, and climate mitigation in buildings.  In Part 1 of this series, we looked at ongoing efforts within Federal agencies and local communities on general resilience, Part 2 looks at specific resilience initiatives related to buildings.

Transportation, Wildlife Officials Develop Streamlined Consultation Process for Projects in Endangered Bats' 'Range'

Adapted with permission from Environment Reporter, 47 ER 1933 (June 24, 2016). Copyright 2016 by The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (800-372-1033) <http://www.bna.com>

A programmatic biological opinion recently signed by the federal transportation agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) completes a novel process to address potential transportation project impacts to two endangered bat species.  It will streamline the consultation process for common surface transportation projects and improve conservation for the two bat species across 37 states and the District of Columbia, according to federal officials. 

AGC Presses Its Position on New OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements

Intensifying its effort to dissuade the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from interpreting its new recordkeeping regulations to restrict drug testing or safety incentive programs, AGC of America presses for a formal audience with the top OSHA official.

At the heart the controversy surrounding the new regulations are two provisions that merely state:

Construction Employment Rises in 39 States Between June 2015 and 2016, But Half of States Shed Jobs from May to June as Qualified Workers Grow Scarce

Construction employment increased in 39 states between June 2015 and June 2016, although half the states shed construction jobs between May and June, according to analysis of Labor Department data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the flattening of monthly employment gains and losses indicates the urgency of beefing up programs to attract, train and retain construction workers.

Higher Fines for Federal Safety, Environmental Law Violations Starting this Summer

OSHA, EPA and FWS Finalize New Maximum Civil Penalties

The financial penalties that federal agencies may impose on the regulated community as restitution (or a deterrent) for any violation of statutes/regulations or permit requirements are about to go way up, some by as much as 150 percent.  The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) – to name a few – all have finalized penalty increases that take effect this summer.

Walk-A-Day Campaign to Launch in January 2017

The design and construction industry is a feat of multi-tasking.  There are many participants that have different responsibilities, work for different companies, and have different contracts with the clients.  These interests are aligned in the delivery of a structure, but can be complicated by the need to deliver faster, less expensive, and with different internal goals.

Walk-A-Day Campaign to Launch in January 2017

The design and construction industry is a feat of multi-tasking.  There are many participants that have different responsibilities, work for different companies, and have different contracts with the clients.  These interests are aligned in the delivery of a structure, but can be complicated by the need to deliver faster, less expensive, and with different internal goals.