News for Regulations
Acceptable worksites: new City of Seattle specification provisions now in effect
The City of Seattle’s City Purchasing & Contracting Services recently revised its General Special Provisions for City construction contracts to add new “Acceptable Worksite” language.
Posted on: 07/11/2017
General Construction case highlights Courts’ ongoing struggle with Mike M. Johnson
Another court in Washington was asked to apply the Mike M. Johnson decision to a contractor’s claim for extra work. This time it was the Division III Court of Appeals in Washington.
Posted on: 06/06/2017
WSDOT implements waiver of women-owned businesses from COA goals on FHA-funded projects
Beginning June 1, 2017 women-owned businesses no longer satisfy Condition of Award (COA) goals on federally-funded (specifically Federal Highway Administration funded) projects, WSDOT has announced.
Posted on: 06/05/2017
Put down the cell phone when distracted driver law takes effect July 23
Gov. Inslee signed a new distracted-driving law and accelerated its implementation to July 23. The bill as passed by the Legislature had an effective date of Jan. 1, 2019 as sponsors wanted to give police and drivers time to prepare.
Posted on: 05/23/2017
Blacklisting regulation repeal signed into law
AGC of America and its members achieved a major legislative victory yesterday when President Trump signed legislation to repeal of the Blacklisting regulations, which would have implemented President Obama’s “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” Executive Order.
Posted on: 03/28/2017
Ecology offers changes to solid waste handling draft rule
AGC Environment Committee members recently traveled to Olympia to discuss the need for changes to DOE’s proposed solid waste rule with legislators and DOE rule drafters.
Posted on: 03/28/2017
AGC urges OSHA to reconsider unjustified policy against post‐accident drug testing
Earlier this year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new rule on recordkeeping, which highlighted OSHA’s intention to enforce policies that prohibit mandatory post- accident alcohol and drug testing
Posted on: 10/18/2016
Drug testing rules, pension reform among issues AGCWA leaders discuss with Congress
AGC of Washington leadership traveled to Washington, DC last week to encourage Congress to overturn onerous new regulations and to pass important education and jobs bills.
Posted on: 10/03/2016
AGC opposes onerous soils-handling proposed regs
AGC is opposing Department of Ecology proposed solid waste rules that could cause a contractor to unwittingly become subject to solid waste landfill rules, or require satisfaction of onerous landfill post-closure care or financial assurance requirements.
Posted on: 09/19/2016
WSDOT proposes mandatory small-business and vet-owned subcontracting goals
WSDOT recently aired a proposal to have fixed small business and Veteran business enforceable contract goals on all solely state funded projects.
Posted on: 09/19/2016
AGC’s new Environment Committee tackles proposed soils-handling regulations
AGC formed a new Environment Committee to address proposed regulations and legislation regarding environmental issues.
Posted on: 09/02/2016
Learn how to deal with onerous “blacklisting” Executive Order
AGC of America is set to help members get a handle on, and comply with, the 850 pages of new burdensome and unnecessary regulations known as the Fair Pay and Save Workplaces Executive Order signed by President Obama.
Posted on: 09/02/2016
Court puts hold on AGC-opposed “persuader rule”
From AGC of America...
Posted on: 07/26/2016
FAA sets rules on drone use; AGC of America plans education for contractors
On June 21, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized a new and comprehensive set of rules for the commercial use of small drones in all industries, including construction.
Posted on: 07/08/2016
DOE sending construction-stormwater permit invoices
The Department of Ecology is preparing to mail out construction stormwater permit invoices for fiscal year 2017.
Posted on: 06/21/2016
Provide input on updates to Building Code Council rules and bylaws
The State Building Code Council will be seeking public input as it updates its state rules as well as its bylaws.
Posted on: 06/06/2016
OSHA’s new silica rule imposes new regulations on many contractors
On March 25, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its final rule on occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (the “Silica Rule”).
Posted on: 05/23/2016
Learn more and comment on DOE’s draft changes to solid-waste handling standards
Draft language regarding changes to one of the state’s main solid waste handling rules is now under internal review and not available to share, but Ecology plans to have two public comment periods, at which time draft language will be open for review.
Posted on: 04/11/2016
Expect much stiffer fines for certain safety violations next year
A new proposal by the OSHA would increase fines for safety violation fines by 82 percent. Washington State, which manages its own OSHA-approved state plan, will be required to follow suit in 2017.
Posted on: 04/11/2016
Cargo Preference Act applies to FHWA-funded projects
FHWA has interpreted recent changes in the federal Cargo Preference Act as applying to federal-aid highway contracts. The Act, which has been around since 1954, requires that “at least 50 percent of any equipment, materials or commodities” procured with federal funds, and which may be shipped by ocean vessel, must be transported on privately-owned United States-flagged commercial vessels.
Posted on: 02/16/2016
Unintended consequences of Governor’s carbon plan
Gov. Inslee has asked the Department of Ecology to write a rule that would cap and reduce carbon pollution (greenhouse gasses). Ecology is focusing on businesses and organizations (see the list here) that are responsible for producing 100,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases.
Posted on: 11/13/2015
Court issues nationwide stay of EPA/Corps' “Waters of the US” regulation
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has issued a nationwide stay of the new federal regulation redefining "Waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) for the purposes of the Clean Water Act.
Posted on: 11/03/2015
Gov. Inslee developing regulatory cap on carbon emissions
Gov. Jay Inslee recently directed the state Department of Ecology to step up enforcement of existing state pollution laws and develop a regulatory cap on carbon emissions. The Governor said the regulatory cap on carbon emissions would force a significant reduction in air pollution and will be the...
Posted on: 08/07/2015
SBA increases small-business size standards for construction
From AGC of AmericaOn June 12 the U.S. Small Business Administration issued an interim final rule that increases a number of construction industry small-business size standards to account for inflation since 2008. The size standard for Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (NAICS cod...
Posted on: 06/20/2014
Gov. Inslee signs executive order on carbon reduction
Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed an executive order outlining a series of steps to cut carbon pollution in Washington through a cap-and-trade program a low-carbon fuel standard more energy-efficient buildings and other tactics. The Governor’s executive order does not implement any new programs but...