As a result of a federal court ruling on August 16, the Obama administration’s 2015 “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule—which expands federal environmental permitting jurisdiction involving wetlands—is now in effect in 26 states (listed below). AGC published an in-depth look at the 2015 WOTUS rule when it was finalized. The association will provide its membersadditional guidance in the coming days, but we caution a measured approach for the moment as this issue is still developing and the situation may change again in short order.

AGC of America’s Union Contractors Committee will hold its next conference call on September 13 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. The agenda includes updates on recent developments in labor relations and government affairs of interest to union contractors as well as a roundtable discussion about developments around the country. Participation is free and open to all AGC-member union contractors and chapter staff, regardless of committee membership. (AGC nonmembers may not participate.)

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between July 2017 and July 2018, while 29 states and D.C. added construction jobs between June and July, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials cautioned that continued job gains may depend on swiftly implementing new training and education legislation to equip students and workers to enter the industry.

Prices for goods and services used in construction costs were unchanged overall from June to July, but months of steep increases over the past year have squeezed the profits of contractors, whose bid prices have not matched the cost shocks, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new Labor Department data. Association officials warn that the impact of recent and threatened tariffs are likely to put contractors in further financial peril.

On August 10, the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced its plan to start scheduling focused reviews of federal contractors beginning in Fiscal Year 2019. Directive 2018-04 directs OFCCP staff to “work towards ensuring that a portion of future scheduling lists, starting with Fiscal Year 2019, include focused reviews as to each of the three authorities that OFCCP enforces.”

Early Bird Cutoff Date Extended One Week Only!

In an August 13 letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, AGC reiterates support of the agencies’ efforts to repeal and replace the 2015 “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule while maintaining the current regulatory “status quo” in the interim. The construction industry depends on receiving Clean Water Act permits in order to secure financing and approval to construct new projects. AGC urges the agencies to provide continuity and predictability for near-term business planning under the current framework while they continue to work on the next steps.

In an August 13 letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AGC says that consistent and transparent cost-benefit analysis can improve regulations and limit arbitrary and capricious decisions. The construction industry is extensively regulated by the agency; and EPA regulations account for most of the annual estimated benefits and costs of all major federal regulations. AGC urges the agency to apply cost-benefit analysis principles to the maximum extent possible under law and consider the full range of costs imposed on small businesses.

Apply for AGC’s Diversity & Inclusion Awards by October 15

Construction employment increased by 19,000 jobs in July and by 303,000 jobs over the past year, reaching a 10-year high, while the industry’s unemployment rate and level hit an all-time low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said it was likely firms would have added even more workers if they could find qualified candidates to hire.