News for Environmental
DOE proposes big increase for stormwater permit fees
AGC opposes a rule proposed by the Department of Ecology that would dramatically increase construction stormwater permit fees.
Last week DOE announced a draft rule that would increase the fees for both general and individual permits by 5.31% in 2016 and 5.27% in 2017. DOE says that current fees ...
Posted on: 06/12/2015
AGC-WSDOT Administrative and Environmental Excellence award winners
Granite Construction Guy F. Atkinson KLB Construction West Company and Spokane Products were among those honored for administrative and environmental excellence by WSDOT and AGC of Washington. Awards were presented at the AGC-WSDOT annual meeting January 8 in Tacoma.
Partnership for Excellence i...
Posted on: 01/17/2015
DOE suggests changes to construction stormwater permit
The Construction Stormwater General Permit expires Dec. 31 2015. The Department of Ecology has begun the process of reissuing it and disseminating its list of suggested changes.
Questions for AGC members:
1. Aside from DOE’s suggested changes (see below) are there aspects of the permit which y...
Posted on: 10/13/2014
New water-quality rules will impact construction
Governor Inslee will soon make a determination regarding fish consumption in Washington State. This seemingly innocuous determination though could have a big effect on utility rates future development and construction.
The figure that the state adopts for “fish consumption” – basically the amoun...
Posted on: 05/12/2014
Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Would Have Negative Impact on Construction
Washington State is considering the implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS). While some of the effects of such a policy on the construction industry are unknown because it has yet to be tried anywhere the things that are known about the policy are not good.
The push for a low-carbon ...
Posted on: 12/02/2013
Is There a Carbon Tax in the Atmosphere?
Expect low-carbon fuel standards and a carbon tax to be on the agenda when the State Legislature convenes in January. These and other greenhouse gas-related proposals got a boost from Gov. Inslee on two fronts recently:• The Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup (CLEW) created by legisla...
Posted on: 11/04/2013
New Seattle Recycling Rules Coming on Line
The following information is provided by the City of Seattle. More information is available at www.seattle.gov/util/CDWasteManagement or contact Gabriella Uhlar-Heffner at 386-9772 or Shirli Axelrod at 684-7804.
The City of Seattle has adopted new requirements for recycling construction and bui...
Posted on: 05/13/2013
AGC Opposes DOE's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Plan
The Department Ecology issued a letter indicating it plans to move forward with its draft SEPA guidance to address greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). AGC and other business groups expressed significant concerns that Ecology’s approach will create endless litigation opportunities for project opponent...
Posted on: 08/10/2010
New EPA Stormwater Regs Expected to Have Moderate Effect on State
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new stormwater requirements that will impact nearly every construction and development project in the United States. These “Construction and Development Effluent Limitations Guidelines” (C&D ELG) impose an enforceable numeric l...
Posted on: 07/27/2010
Top 10 Things Contractors Should Know About Climate Change
The U.S. Congress is considering whether to enact “cap and trade” program that would enable the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Policymakers are seeking to enact a comprehensive energy and climate change bill that aims to increase energy efficiency address the ri...
Posted on: 11/09/2009
AGC of America's Environmental Network
Stormwater climate change and diesel retrofit are among the issues covered during AGC of America’s Environmental Network Conference Call Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. Through the Network AGC members keep pace with the latest developments and participate in the associations policymaking on environmental matt...
Posted on: 10/13/2009
Broader Implications from Judge's Maury Island Ruling?
Just as Glacier Northwest was preparing to resume construction of a replacement barge loading dock at its Maury Island facility a federal judge halted further work when he ruled that the Corps of Engineers conducted an inadequate assessment of the potential environmental impacts on Puget Sound. G...
Posted on: 08/18/2009
EPA Urged to Decline California's Diesel Equipment Emissions Standards
Construction companies nationwide will suffer significant financial losses and more construction workers will lose their jobs if the federal government allows California to proceed with plans to impose retroactive emissions standards on diesel construction equipment the AGC of America warned in a...
Posted on: 08/17/2009
Transit Oriented Development Bill Significantly Alters GMA
House Bill 1490 is an environmental bill that has become well known for its emphasis on fostering transit oriented development. AGC opposes the measure because of the prescriptive burdens and costs that will be placed on businesses families and local governments and corresponding land use litiga...
Posted on: 03/03/2009
Covered Loads Bill to Be Heard in Senate Committee
Tomorrow (Wed Feb. 25) the Senate Transportation Committee is expected to hold a hearing on recently-introduced legislation regarding covered loads and AGC seeks the input of members.
The elements of the bill (SB 5846) are:
• Retains the 6 freeboard exemption until January 1 2014. After that d...
Posted on: 02/24/2009
House Committee Votes in Favor of Cap and Trade Bill
AGC is opposing cap and trade legislation requested by Governor Gregoire. The bill HB 1819 was recently voted out of the House Committee on Ecology and Parks.
HB 1819 and the Senate version SB 5735 would implement a regional cap and trade program linking Washington with other states and Canadia...
Posted on: 02/18/2009
Bill Mandates Major Reductions in Buildings' Energy Use
AGC opposes legislation to significantly tighten building envelopes and save energy as a means to reduce greenhouse gasses.
The bill (HB 1747) would require the Department of Community Trade & Economic Development (CTED) to develop and implement a strategic plan for enhancing energy efficien...
Posted on: 02/18/2009
King County Ordinance Seeks to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The King County Department of Development and Environmental Services in consultation with AGC NAIOP MBA other business local governments the state and the public is developing an ordinance to implement a proposed policy that would allow King County to exercise substantive authority under the Stat...
Posted on: 09/04/2008
Development in Many Areas Severely Restricted by New Floodplain Maps
Owners of billions of dollars worth of property in Washington State will see severe curbs on development once the revision of the countrys floodplain maps is completed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA is revising the floodplain maps in support of the National Flood Insuran...
Posted on: 08/05/2008
EPA and AGC Provide Guidance for Reducing Diesel Emissions
Increasingly state and local governments are considering requirements for contractors to reduce emissions from their off-road diesel equipment. As new more stringent clean air standards go into effect and with the potential for the national implementation of the California diesel retrofit mandat...