Author: agcnews

On August 8, AGC submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed revision to the rule implementing the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 401 certification process, which provides for state review of federal CWA licenses or permits. The proposal rule if finalized would replace the 2020 rule that is currently in effect and would expand the scope of state and tribal reviews. The proposal goes beyond prior interpretations of the statute and includes many “firsts” that stretch the scope of the review beyond Congressional intent. The proposal would require states and tribes to evaluate “the activity as a whole”…

Trusting that your fellow contracting party will act ethically and in good faith is essential. Aligning the parties’ interests with the project’s success creates the right foundation to build successfully. Setting the right tone and expectations between party relationships is one of the reasons that ConsensusDocs contracts have been used on construction projects worth more than $50 billion but have yet to be the subject of a reported court decision. In most but not all states, a duty of good faith in contract performance is implied by the courts. Notwithstanding, the very first provision in all ConsensusDocs agreements explicitly states…

Prices of Concrete Products and Some Building Materials Continue to Rise, While Diesel Fuel, Asphalt, Lumber and Some Metals Fall in Month of July The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction fell 1.3 percent last month, while contractors’ bid prices rose 5.4 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that, despite the monthly decline, materials prices remain high and the availability of certain key materials erratic. Read more

On August 4, AGC announced its opposition to the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” as agreed to by Senator Manchin and Senator Schumer and outlined the association’s significant concerns to Congress. As written, the legislation would: While many of the provisions in the original “Build Back Better Act,” such as the Greenhouse Gas Performance Measure, were ultimately dropped, AGC is still concerned about the remaining provisions and their potential impact on the industry. As such, AGC announced that we are reserving the right to key vote—or record elected officials’ votes for the education of AGC members—final passage of the legislation, or any amendments that…

During the week of July 25, the House and Senate passed AGC-backed legislation—the CHIPS Act of 2022—that will provide $39 billion for the building, improvement, and expansion of semiconductor manufacturing plants across the nation. The construction of these facilities will also spur broader economic development and new, long-term construction jobs. For example, to support these new facilities: In addition, these investments will lead to the construction of new schools, commercial buildings, and more to accommodate growing communities. President Biden is set to sign the bill into law on August 9th.

Construction firms added 32,000 jobs in July as the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent and the number of unfilled construction positions approaches record levels, according to an analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news but would have been higher if firms could find more workers to hire. “Construction firms are doing their best to add new workers to keep pace with strong demand for construction,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Despite the month’s big gains, the industry’s job…

On July 27, the Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Request for Information on the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that specified a new category of construction materials used for projects be produced in the United States. Specifically, they are asking: In May, the Department announced 180-day delay of the new BABA requirements. AGC helped lead an effort with 41 other national organizations calling on the Administration to extend the 180-day BABA waiver to ensure that, in the meantime, projects are not needlessly delayed. AGC continues to be concerned about the current availability and pricing of construction materials…

Construction employment fell in 61 and was unchanged in another 51 out of 358 metro areas between June 2021 and June 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that employment was falling or stagnant in nearly one-third of metro areas at a time when many construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to hire and cope with supply chain challenges and rising materials prices. “Construction employment likely would have expanded in more metro areas if firms had the materials they need and the workers they want,” said Stephen…

CONSTRUCTION SPENDING FALLS IN JUNE WITH DECLINES IN RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTAL ACTIVITY AMID GROWING LABOR AND MATERIALS SHORTAGES Construction Association Official Says Supply Chain Challenges and Lack of Workers is Suppressing Demand for New Construction Amid Higher Construction Costs and Longer Schedules Total construction spending fell by 1.1 percent in June as spending on new housing and nonresidential projects declined compared to May, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Read more

Seeking to find ways to help America build, key congressional leaders bring in AGC to talk about its Climate Change Task Force report, the challenges of the federal environmental permitting process and more. On Tuesday, July 19, AGC’s Leah Pilconis participated in a roundtable discussion with the House Republican’s Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force. This particular discussion was part of their Let America Build series discussing obstacles to the United States producing energy, deploying innovative technologies, and building infrastructure. The event provided AGC with an opportunity to talk to Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Select…