Last week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) admitted that its earlier estimates of the emissions from the off-road diesel equipment in California were too high, and in light of both its mistakes and the downturn in the economy, agreed to amend its costly off-road rule. 

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U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) April 21 introduced the "America's Commitment to Clean Water Act" (H.R. 5088) to "clarify" federal jurisdiction over waters and wetlands under the Clean Water Act.  The bill would remove the term "navigable" from the Act and replace it with the phrase "waters of the United States." 

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On April 22, AGC of America released a plan calling for market-based solutions, incentives and needed investments to deliver environmental improvements in our nation's infrastructure-buildings, transportation, water and land resources and power generation.

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Gary Janco of member company CC Myers Inc. telling reporters about how CARB's new off-road diesel emissions rule is hurting his business, forcing layoffs.

Emissions from California's construction and other off-road diesel equipment are less than 28 percent of what state officials have estimated, AGC announced on April 21. As a result, the California Air Resources Board has no scientific justification for sticking to a new rule requiring construction contractors to spend billions of dollars on their existing equipment.

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Jon Cloud testified before EPA on California's proposed diesel retrofit rule.

AGC member Jon Cloud testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on April 14 to explain how California's plan to require construction contractors to install emissions reduction kits on their off-road diesel equipment will endanger workers and force job cuts. 

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AGC last week joined a broad coalition of environmental, science-based, public health, industry, and state and local government groups by signing a group letter in support of expanded funding in fiscal year 2011 for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERP).  

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set new rules for certain contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities, or schools built before 1978.  Workers must follow lead-safe work practice standards to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair activities.

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AGC hosted a special forum at this year's Convention focused on environmental challenges specific to the construction industry.  AGC recognizes that environmental requirements have become a great and growing responsibility for contractors, delaying if not threatening construction projects and increasing the cost of doing business.  AGC works year-round to provide its members with compliance tools and to advocate for constructive solutions to complex ecological and economic challenges.

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