Author: Crystal Yates
On October 19, AGC of America submitted comments on the latest batch of proposed rules in the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul, calling on the FAR Council to maintain clear and predictable rules for federal construction contractors. Many of the proposed rules would give contracting officers more discretion throughout the project lifecycle. Among the proposals are allowing contracting officers to accept late bids, the removal of mandatory site visit and preconstruction conference requirements, and a continued mandate to use project labor agreements on projects above $35 million. In its comments, AGC asked the Council to retain objective bid submission…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance implementing President Trump’s October 5 executive order temporarily suspending federal penalties for using red-dyed diesel on public highways through December 31, 2026. Typically reserved for off-road use — including construction equipment — red-dyed diesel is exempt from the federal highway diesel fuel excise tax; the relief covers sellers and users nationwide, retroactively from October 1, and waives inspection, enforcement, and record-keeping requirements during the relief period. The guidance does not eliminate the underlying federal excise tax obligation, and the agency has indicated additional guidance on payment deadlines and reporting requirements is forthcoming. Federal…
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released proposed updates to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, the primary federal funding source for major transit construction projects such as commuter rail, light rail, subway expansions, and bus rapid transit systems. The proposal would change how projects are evaluated, funded, and advanced through the federal review process. One of the most significant changes would establish a new methodology for determining the federal CIG funding share for New Starts and Core Capacity projects. Under the proposal, eligible projects would begin with a federal share equal to 40 percent of…
The latest settlements report from the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) shows that first-year total wage-and-fringe packages for union construction craft workers negotiated from January through September 2026 increased an average of 4.9% or $3.39. The year-to-date figure is slightly above the 4.7% average reported for 2025. The results continue a period of elevated increases: first-year package increases have averaged at least 4% each year since 2022. The report raises the question of whether increases near 5% will become typical or move back toward the 3% levels last seen five years ago. Results varied by region. The Northeast had the…
AGC of America’s judicial advocacy is a critical component of its broader advocacy efforts and an important tool for protecting contractors and the construction industry. Through its litigation program, AGC focuses primarily on federal cases with the potential to set important nationwide precedents or to stop the enforcement of harmful federal regulations. Earlier this month, AGC released its Fall 2026 Litigation Snapshot, a quick-read resource highlighting the association’s advocacy across a broad portfolio of legal issues affecting the construction industry, including environmental, construction, constitutional, labor, and procurement matters. The publication highlights recent significant victories, provides updates on cases AGC has…
AGC of America has added a new Reporting Form to its Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) Resource Hub. The form will help identify materials and products that contractors have difficulty sourcing domestically for federally assisted construction projects. Members can use the form at any time to report challenges finding BABAA-compliant materials and products, identify the types of projects affected, and specify the states where these challenges are occurring. Project-specific details are not required, and the form is intended to capture challenges across all federally assisted construction projects, not just those funded with federal highway funds. AGC will use…
In its second round of comments this year on the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS), AGC of America urged federal regulators to adopt a clear, durable rule that provides greater certainty about when federal water permits are required for infrastructure projects. The supplemental proposed rule the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers released moves in that direction. The agencies issued the supplemental proposed rule to address issues raised in response to their initial proposal. In its comments, AGC acknowledged the seriousness with which the Trump administration is approaching the rulemaking. The supplemental seeks additional…
The U.S. Senate voted on September 30 to confirm Keith Sonderling as Secretary of Labor, following his service as Acting Secretary since April. Sonderling previously served as Deputy Secretary of Labor, a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and held leadership positions within the Department of Labor during the first Trump Administration. AGC supported Sonderling’s nomination throughout the confirmation process. In a July letter to Senate HELP Committee leaders, AGC highlighted his extensive experience in employment and labor policy and noted that the Department of Labor will play a critical role in workforce development, workforce training, and ensuring employers…
On Sept. 17, AGC filed comments urging the Trump administration to reissue the federal permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities without new requirements that would add to the regulatory burden. AGC also requested the administration to initiate a separate effort to streamline the permit. The federal stormwater permit serves as a nationwide model or template for state permits and is set to expire on Feb. 17, 2027. In its response, AGC relied on feedback from members and chapter representatives on two calls on the proposed 2027 Construction General Permit (CGP) during the comment period. AGC also coordinated with…
If you manage day-to-day environmental compliance for your construction firm, AGC has the meeting for you. The next meeting of in-house environmental professionals is set for January 25. Spend the day in peer-to-peer discussions in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Register here! The meeting is co-located with the Surety Bonding and Construction Risk Management Conference at the Sunseeker Resort. (Register for the meeting, the conference, or both.) AgendaAs 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…