Author: clara.kinney@agc.org

Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) have introduced the bipartisan Safe Roads for Those Who Serve Act, legislation aimed at improving protections for the workers and first responders who do their jobs alongside live traffic every day. For highway contractors, the bill reflects a growing recognition in Congress that work zone and roadside safety must remain a national priority, not just for motorists, but also for the construction workers, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, tow truck operators, and others who face serious risks on the nation’s roads. The legislation would take several practical steps to address those…

On Friday, March 19, 2026, a Judge dismissed a Kentucky milling company’s challenge to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in Mid-America Milling Company v. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The ruling is a victory for DBE contractors who successfully preserved a future administration’s ability to reinstate the sex and race-based presumptions authorized by Congress. The case was dismissed because it was declared moot. Under the Constitution, U.S. courts only have the authority to adjudicate live cases and controversies. If the conduct being challenged stops, there is nothing left for the court to fix and the case is dismissed. …

Electricity demand in the United States is projected to reach new highs in the coming years. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that power consumption will set records in both 2026 and 2027. After more than a decade of modest growth, rising consumption is putting fresh pressure on the power grid, marking a shift from the relatively flat demand patterns of the 2010s, when efficiency gains and slower load growth kept overall use stable Rapid expansion of data centers that support cloud computing and artificial intelligence is driving higher power consumption in many regions. Electrification across the economy is also increasing demand as more vehicles, buildings, and industrial processes…

In the last few years, the Department of War (DoW) has proposed and released regulations that require Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. For construction contractors working on DoW projects, compliance with the CMMC presents significant challenges. To assist with new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), AGC of America has launched an updated landing page and resource center designed to help members navigate the rapidly evolving requirements surrounding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). As federal cybersecurity regulations continue to expand, and with new Department of War rules now in effect, contractors need clear, dependable guidance more than ever. The refreshed landing page (www.agc.org/cmmc) and member resource center bring together the latest updates, news, and compliance tools in one centralized,…

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun to outline how it intends to return billions of dollars in tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a development with potentially significant implications for contractors, suppliers, and construction project pricing. In a March 6, 2026, filing with the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT), CBP described a preliminary framework for an administrative tariff refund process that is expected to go live within approximately 45 days. The filing follows a March 4 CIT order directing CBP to liquidate or reliquidate entries to remove IEEPA tariffs, implementing the U.S. Supreme…

In earlier parts of our Road to Reauthorization series, we focused on funding, safety, and permitting. Another key issue for the next surface transportation bill is making sure federal policy keeps pace with rapidly changing technology. Technology is reshaping how people and freight move across the country and how infrastructure is built. Contractors are already using drones, automated machine guidance, 3D modeling, and digital project management tools to improve productivity, enhance safety, and deliver higher quality projects. Federal policy should help move these tools forward, not create barriers to their use. AGC’s Surface Transportation Reauthorization priorities emphasize policies that encourage…

Building on our “PFAS Questions and Considerations” document, AGC of America just released a supplement to explore related contract language. Find these resources (and more) in a new PFAS resource center on the AGC website. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are long-lasting and highly useful chemicals found in everyday products across all areas of the economy. PFAS may be present on all types of construction sites in dirt, groundwater, or even materials. The regulatory framework for PFAS is evolving rapidly at the federal and state level, with two designated as hazardous substances in 2024. Currently, the construction industry does not have…

AGC has been engaged with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under multiple administrations regarding the agency’s proposed federal heat rule. The proposed rule would require new compliance requirements, mandatory rest breaks when temperatures reach 90 degrees, along with access to water and shade—practices many contractors already follow on jobsites.  As OSHA considers moving forward with the rule, first proposed during the Biden Administration, a group of U.S. Senators recently sent a letter raising concerns about several aspects of the proposed rule. The Senators emphasized that their goal is to strengthen worker safety while ensuring the rule can be implemented effectively. Many of the issues raised in the letter align…

Rising tensions in the Middle East are increasing uncertainty in global energy markets. In late February, global oil prices were trading around $70 per barrel before climbing above $100 per barrel as concerns grew about potential disruptions to energy supplies.  Why Energy Prices Matter for Construction   Higher energy prices can affect construction in several ways. Diesel powers heavy equipment, trucks, and generators on job sites, while transportation networks rely on fuel to move materials and machinery. When oil prices rise, contractors may face higher operating and logistics costs that can strain project budgets.  Energy prices also affect the production of key construction materials. Manufacturing materials such as steel, cement, and asphalt require significant heat and electricity. When those…

Registration is now open for the 2026 Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In and AGC Caucus. This meeting gives members an opportunity to hear from key transportation policy officials in Washington, D.C., and the chance to set up meetings with their congressional delegations to urge Congress to pass the next highway and transit funding bill. Member participation this year is especially critical ahead of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s expiration at the end of this September. As part of this event, AGC will hold a Caucus Meeting on May 11 to give members an opportunity to meet and engage with key transportation policymakers in a smaller, discussion-oriented setting, such as…