One of AGC’s core policies is to advocate for industry sensitive environmental regulations and to oppose any new environmental regulations that will impose a financial burden on the industry. The Government Affairs team works closely with Oregon state agencies and legislators to ensure that the input of the construction industry is heard during the development and implementation of new regulations.
A great example of AGC’s important work in this policy area is HB 2081, aka the “Reduced Truck Idling Rule”. This bill, from the 2011 legislative session, limits the amount of time the engine of an on-road commercial vehicle can idle (five minutes in any 60-minute period). Truck idling laws are being passed all over the country, so it was in the business community’s best interest to help pass a business-friendly idling bill. The Oregon Trucking Association (OTA) led this effort and requested AGC’s support. AGC worked directly with OTA to have written into the legislation an exemption for all equipment required for powering work-related mechanical, safety, electrical, or construction equipment. The passage of this legislation was a success for the environmental, general business, and construction communities.
While our Government Affairs team is working to protect the industry at the state level, we rely on AGC of America (AGCA) to do the same at the federal level. AGCA works closely with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that environmental protection improves without impinging on economic growth through sharing the construction industry’s perspective. AGCA recently released a document that summarizes industry successes related to national air standards, EPA’s stormwater regulations, fly ash in construction, lead paint ‘clearance’ testing, off-road diesel emissions rules, and funding for diesel retrofits. To access this important information please click here.
If you have additional questions regarding AGCA’s efforts to protect construction jobs and the environment, please contact Leah Pilconis. Any additional questions should be sent to Allison Koenker.