Author: Crystal Yates
On November 17, the Trump administration announced a new proposal to define federal waters (Waters of the United States or WOTUS)—key to determining when a federal Clean Water Act permit is required for projects. AGC of America advocates for a clear, predictable, and durable rule that provides regulatory certainty without overreach. At first glance, the joint U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal would– This summary is not exhaustive. The proposal is robust and technical in many sections. The agencies present alternatives and implementation considerations for the proposed changes for public comment. The agencies also…
The IRS announced that for tax year 2025, employers will not face penalties for failing to separately report qualified overtime compensation under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This transition relief applies only for 2025, as Forms W-2 and 1099 will not be updated to reflect the new overtime reporting requirements until later years. Employers may still choose to provide separate overtime details to help employees claim new deductions, but it is not mandatory for 2025. More info can be found here. Save the date for an AGC of America Virtual Meeting on Thursday, December 4, at 2:00 –…
AGC of America is closely tracking three environmental regulatory proposals at the White House Office of Management (OMB) for review: (1) the next revision of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS), (2) listing species and designating critical habitat, and (3) interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act. When the government reopens, we expect these proposals to be released for public comment within a matter of weeks. AGC staff are working with members to ensure we provide construction-specific feedback to the agencies. OMB conducts interagency reviews on pending actions at various stages, such as proposed or final regulations. The review…
Federal immigration officials have finally clarified key details about the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced last month – and the update provides some relief for employers. The new guidance from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) significantly narrows which petitions are subject to the fee, offering relief for most employers sponsoring current or recent international workers. The guidance also provides details about who how to pay the fee, who is exempt, and how to request an exception. Here’s what you need to know about the new developments. Background: The $100,000 H-1B Fee Explained As detailed in a prior article, President…
A new Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) Settlements Report covering collective bargaining agreements settled during the first three quarters of 2025 shows an average total package increase of 4.7%, matching last year’s increase. On a dollar basis, the increase averaged $3.12, up from $2.95 in 2024. According to CLRC, wage growth has leveled off but remains high, as post-inflation adjustments and lingering inflation effects continue to influence contract renewals. The report projects continued increases through 2027, though at a slower pace. Regional variation persists, with western regions leading in both percentage and dollar increases, while craft-level variation is narrowing, with…
On January 26, 2026, AGC will host a series of roundtable discussions on key issues exclusively for in-house environmental managers at construction firms. AGC is excited to co-locate this meeting in conjunction with the Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference at the Sunseeker Resort. As usual, you set the agenda for the discussions to address the top items on your to-do-list or jobsite concerns. AGC will poll attendees in advance to identify the topics and discussion leaders for 14 plus issues of concern for environmental professionals. Please register here! The meeting will be held from 7:00AM – 4:00PM on…
AGC of America released a new resource to help contractors identify and manage risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on construction projects. The document, General Contractors: Questions and Considerations Related to PFAS, outlines key issues to raise before the project starts and once you are on the jobsite. This new resource comes as contractors face unprecedented liability following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) designation of two PFAS compounds—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law. That rule exposes contractors to cleanup costs where they may have encountered PFOA or PFOS on…
AGC of America recently joined 39 national and state business associations and employers in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Chavez DeRemer requesting that the Secretary raise federal conformity and compliance issues with the State of Washington Act (SB 5041) that was recently enacted to permit the payment of unemployment compensation to striking workers while on strike. This legislation is contrary to federal requirements in Section 303(a) generally and specifically 303(a)(12) of the Social Security Act as well as 26 USC 3304 in the Internal Revenue Code. The letter requests that the Secretary raise federal concerns and require that…
AGC members now have access to a new resource on Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. The Contractor’s Guide to IRA Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Mandates, authored by Nena Lenz of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., provides an overview of the IRA prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements that may apply to contractors working on clean energy projects for owners seeking enhanced tax incentives. The guide covers key compliance obligations, highlights differences between IRA and Davis-Bacon Act rules, and offers practical tips for recordkeeping, contract negotiation, and risk management. While not a substitute for legal advice, the guide can…
AGC of America is currently accepting applications for 2026 committee appointments. With only three weeks left until the October 17 deadline, now is the time to step forward. For HR and labor professionals, several committees offer opportunities to make an impact: Serving on an AGC committee is more than a leadership role. It’s a chance to share your expertise, influence industry practices and resources, and connect with peers tackling similar challenges across the country. Learn more at www.agc.org/volunteer and submit your Volunteer Application by October 17 to be considered for 2026 appointments. Committee terms begin in March 2026.