Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of all major industry groups. ż of America is launching a new effort to combat the silent epidemic of suicide and other mental health issues plaguing our workforce. As part of this effort, we are releasing a series of videos telling the stories of real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health. We hope that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. For more information and resources, visit agc.org/mental-health-suicide-prevention.
The FAR Council’s new proposed rule creates two new categories for federal contractors – significant contractors and major contractors – which trigger significant reporting requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions.
February 16, 2023, at ż’s Headquarters in Arlington, Va.
Nominations accepted through January 2023
ż submitted comments (coalition and construction-specific) on a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund as it is more commonly known). As previously reported, a CERCLA designation would trigger the cleanup of contaminated sites and introduce liability to contractors (regardless of fault) that may have unknowingly interacted with the chemicals by moving dirt, dewatering, or demolishing structures on previously “clean” jobsites.
On October 13, ż formally weighed in against a Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) one-size-fits-all proposed rule that would have the effect of delaying or halting certain road and bridge projects - including the construction of new roads and highways – forcing them to instead focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Future of “Significant Nexus” Test Remains Unclear”
Once consideration of Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) environmental permitting reform bill was removed from the government funding bill, it easily passed the U.S. Senate and is expected to pass in the House as well.
ż has the latest on Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) legislation for his long-awaited permitting reform for energy infrastructure, as the clock ticks towards another government shutdown.