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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. 

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." 

On April 22, Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.

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, Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.

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

The nation's buildings and infrastructure will become more efficient, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting energy consumption, according to a new green construction plan released Thursday by Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The plan outlines measures designed to stimulate demand for green construction projects, boost infrastructure capacity, and improve building efficiency and green construction practices.

Emissions from California's construction and other off-road diesel equipment are less than 28 percent of what state officials have estimated, Â鶹ÊÓƵ announced today. 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.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a hearing for April 14 in Washington to consider the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) request for a waiver to allow it to begin enforcing its off-road diesel equipment rule. The rule was originally scheduled to go into effect on March 1, 2010 but EPA never granted approval to CARB to move ahead with enforcement. Â鶹ÊÓƵ is preparing expert witness testimony asking EPA to deny California's request.This EPA action follows closely on the heels of a public hearing held by CARB on March 11 on the question of whether the off-road regulations should be further modified to account for the down economy and subsequent emissions reductions. Â鶹ÊÓƵ presented CARB with substantial empirical data demonstrating that the downturn in California's economic conditions and the resulting drop in construction activity have made the rule unnecessary. Â鶹ÊÓƵ has pointed out that California's own inventory data makes clear that off-road equipment operators will be well under the state's aggressive diesel emissions limits for years to come without this rule.  Â鶹ÊÓƵ will make similar recommendations at the upcoming EPA hearing.Unless blocked, the CARB rule will require California's contractors to retrofit, repower, retire and/or replace much of their off-road equipment. The Federal Clean Air Act grants unique authority to California to adopt its own clean air rules, including an off road diesel emissions rule. Other states are prohibited from developing their own regulations but may adopt California's rules once EPA has approved them.  A study conducted by Â鶹ÊÓƵ shows that 32 states, including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, are poised to use the California requirements. Because of the impact on contractor's nationwide, Â鶹ÊÓƵ joined with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ of California and San Diego Â鶹ÊÓƵ Chapter in a collective effort to stop the rule or significantly modify it.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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).  

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.