As the U.S. House may consider a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a large and diverse group of chemicals—حوإ¼½م½م and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on sound science before enacting a one-size-fits-all approach for properly dealing with the chemicals. Treating all PFAS substances the same, without any regard to science, would lead to unnecessary liability for contractors and result in wide-spread and possibly unnecessary remediation of soil and water. حوإ¼½م½م urges that any federal actions on this subject address specific PFASs and take a consistent approach to establish risk-based standards.
On Nov. 20, Senate Republicans introduced an alternative for addressing the multiemployer pension plan crisis. This plan differs greatly from the House-passed Butch Lewis Act. While it makes positive structural reforms to the multiemployer pension plan system, it also raises questions on how it would impact plans and contributing employers. حوإ¼½م½م will continue to advocate for a package that provides employees and employers with viable options for addressing pension funding shortfalls and allows for greater plan flexibility. For further information on the Senate plan, view the White Paper and Technical Explanation.
As the U.S. House of Representatives considers a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), حوإ¼½م½م and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on the science and support the federal agencies in their efforts to research and set protective risk-based standards. PFAS are a large and diverse group of chemicals and a one-size-fits-all approach would not be appropriate.
Employers Must Now Submit Openings for Advertising on DOL Website
The agenda for حوإ¼½م½م of America’s 2020 Annual Convention includes three sessions specifically for union contractors. The convention will run from March 9-12 in Las Vegas, NV, co-located with the CONEXPO-CON/AGG industry trade show. Registration is now open at https://convention.agc.org/.
On Nov. 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized an حوإ¼½م½م-supported rule expanding the universal waste regulations to include aerosol cans and streamlining the management of this waste. It should help construction firms maintain a lower-tier generator category, because aerosol cans are often the only hazardous waste stream produced on a construction site. The also rule promotes safe puncturing practices and recycling. EPA estimates it will reduce the regulatory cost between $5.3 million to $47.8 million annually.
Check out حوإ¼½م½م’s new jobsite tour brochure that will assist you in hosting state and local elected officials on tours of construction jobsites. This brochure provides information on how to successfully plan and execute a successful jobsite visit with an elected official from the invitation to the thank you notes. As you may know, one of حوإ¼½م½م’s advocacy goals this year has been to help member companies host job site tours for members of Congress to provide a hands-on learning experience of the construction industry. These events have been successful in discussing workforce development, infrastructure funding, federal regulations, and other issues critical to our members with those who have legislative authority over our industry. While حوإ¼½م½م will continue to complete jobsite tours with members of Congress, we hope you will use this resource to host state and local elected officials on your construction jobsites.
On Nov. 8, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a proposed rule that makes significant revisions to its mentor-protأ©gأ© program (MPP). This proposed rule marks the most significant revision of the program since its inception in 2016. The mission of the MPP is to help build a broad base of emerging business enterprises capable of performing high quality construction at competitive prices. The proposed rule would have significant implications for the government contracting community.
On Nov. 8, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OSD) released part of Version 0.6 of the draft Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This version includes CMMC Levels 1-3, but not Levels 4-5. According to OSD, “CMMC Levels 4-5 are not included in this release because public comments are still being addressed.†Updates to Levels 4-5 are expected to be provided in the next public release. According to OSD, the CMMC model will continue to be improved with the finalization of Version 1.0 in January 2020. The Department of Defense (DOD) will begin including the final CMMC model as “go/no go†in all solicitations starting in Fall 2020.