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The Senate began consideration of the Farm Bill and its amendments this week. Among those offered, Senator Barrasso (R-Wyo.) presented his �鶹��Ƶ-backed legislation that halts forthcoming final guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) describing their new jurisdictional determinations.

A policy rider that would bar the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing their guidance on Clean Water Act Jurisdiction survived an amendment offered by Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.). The amendment would have stripped the provision out of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The Moran Amendment failed by a vote of 152-237. The original rider was introduced by Rep. Dennis Rehberg (R-Mont.) during the Committee markup and passed by a vote of 29-20. As an Appropriations rider, this provision is only able to de-fund implementation of the Guidance for one year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to take action in the near term to tighten national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for several pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, ozone and particulate matter.  A nonattainment status under the Clean Air Act carries serious repercussions for construction in the area(s) so designated – including potential restriction on the use and operation of equipment, the loss of federal highway funding and the loss of economic development opportunities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Corps of Engineers (Corps) are on the cusp of releasing guidance on how they interpret their jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. �鶹��Ƶ is part of the Waters Advocacy Coalition, which is putting on a webinar, free to �鶹��Ƶ members and chapters, to describe the effect this will have on industry. Panelists will include industry experts who will discuss the practical implications of how the upcoming guidance will impact our nation’s agriculture, construction, energy, housing, manufacturing, mining, and real estate sectors.

Protect your company from hefty fines, project delays and loss of good reputation. Violations of environmental laws can skyrocket to $37,500 per day per violation. Hear from regulators and experts about the legal and other requirements impacting your jobsites at the 2012 �鶹��Ƶ Contractors Environmental Conference, June 7-8 in Arlington, Va. Right across the river from your nation's capital!

Save the date and register for a free webinar this June that will provide an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rules for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE), as well as an update on proposed revisions to those rules. RICE are used to produce electric power, pump water, and operate compressors on construction sites.  Owners and operators of RICE must meet new national emission standards and operating limits by the May 2013 compliance deadline.  Be aware that an “Initial Notification” requirement is currently in effect for certain engine horsepower ranges – Sample Initial Notification- Compression Ignition.

A noteworthy federal district court decision will force a state agency to reimburse the United States for almost $9.36 million in clean-up and related costs because the state’s highways discharged hazardous substances to the environment. This landmark decision opens the door for “Superfund” (officially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or CERCLA) liability to both public and private parties that design and operate stormwater drainage systems. �鶹��Ƶ has been monitoring the impact of this court case on contractors engaged in design-build roadway projects.

At the Annual Convention in Hawaii this past March, �鶹��Ƶ announced the winners of the 2012 Alliant Build America Awards, including a winner within the Environmental construction category.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made available the newest draft of its green building rating system for public comment until May 28, 2012.  The 2012 version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) up for review contains changes pertinent to contractors, specialty contractors and manufacturers of building materials—such as a new credit addressing “chemicals of concern”.

Now is the key time to tell your Members of Congress that the forthcoming final guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is bad for your business and the construction industry as a whole. The final guidance document – which describes EPA and the Corps’ view of their authority to regulate all waters and wetlands — significantly changes and expands what water features are subject to federal jurisdiction and permit requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA).