News

ż is continuing its work with a coalition of real estate and development groups (Commercial Properties Coalition) to identify issues and items that could be included in a comment package responding to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) forthcoming proposed Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule(s) covering renovations of both the exteriors and the interiors of public and commercial buildings. 
ż recently joined with a coalition of industrial, municipal and construction-related groups focused on Clean Water Act issues to respond to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new memorandum recommending the use of numeric effluent limits “where feasible.”
Pointing out 60 days is not enough time for the construction industry to review and respond to the draft “Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act” and supporting documentation, ż has requested an extension of the comment period (currently to close on July 1) until September 30, 2011.
On June 1, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Council issued an interim rule that changes procurement regulations to meet the goals of President Obama's October 2009 Executive Order. The interim rule also incorporates parts of a similar Executive Order issued by President Bush in March 2007.
On May 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a preliminary version of its master plan for reviewing existing regulations to determine whether any should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed. 
The Inspector General (IG) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just published a report recommending that the agency evaluate the risks involved in putting coal combustion residuals (CCRs), such as fly ash, to beneficial use before providing any further encouragement for the use of the material  in construction or other applications, such as agriculture.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on May 2, 2011, a new draft “Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act” (proposed guidance).  This draft guidance intends to clarify the extent of federal control over construction work in “waters of the United States,” which has been a continued source of confusion following competing decisions in two U.S. Supreme Court cases.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed April 24 a draft revised construction general permit (CGP) to regulate stormwater discharges from active sites where EPA is the permitting authority. ż is actively soliciting industry input on the proposed permit modifications and invites all Chapters and members to participate in a free members-only webinar on June 1, 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET.
Showcase Your Firm’s Green Building Efforts ż released a Call for Presentations for a Green Building Webinar Series based on ż’s Building to LEED® for New Construction course. Individuals and firms interested in showcasing their company’s green building achievements are encouraged to submit proposals.
Individuals and firms interested in showcasing their company’s green building achievements are encouraged to submit proposals for ż's green building webinar series based on Building to LEED® for New Construction course.