Government | Engineering News-Record

Government

Washington Observer; federal agency and congressional policy-setting, regulation and enforcement; budgets and taxation; project finance; state and local agency regulation and enforcement.

Terminated Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Site Closure Steps Are Still in Play

Rival Enbridge Line 3 wins key Minnesota court ruling June 14 to move construction to expected year end completion, while scuttled $8B Keystone had tough road after Biden permit halt, as owner weighs options for pipe laid in Canada and stored.

Government

Illinois Bill Would Make Contractors Liable for Subcontractors' Unpaid Wages

Bill, expected to become law, would expand general contractor liability

James Leggate

January 24, 2022

No Comments

The bill has some contractors concerned about added costs and complications.

Coronavirus and Construction

Court Moves Shift Focus to Federal Workers, Military in COVID-19 Vaccine Battle

Mary B. Powers

Debra K. Rubin

January 22, 2022

No Comments

Judge enjoins federal worker mandate over its reach, immediately appealed by U.S. Justice Dept., citing Biden's “constitutional authority to act as CEO of the executive branch,” while dispute over military vaccinations heats up.

Government

NY Gov. Sets Industry Advisory Council to Fix Public Contracts Process

Panel, to include contractors and labor, will recommend revised rules on retainage, MWBE, other issues

James Leggate

January 21, 2022

No Comments

Contractor, labor and other members will be named in 60 days, with recommended changes due in one year in four specific areas of state public contracting.

COVID-19 and Construction

DOJ Defends Federal Contractor Vaccine Order to Atlanta Appeals Court

Mary B. Powers

Debra K. Rubin

January 19, 2022

One Comment

Attorneys tell court in Jan. 18 brief that mandate is legal under US procurement law to insure "economical and efficient" contracting, but Cincinnati appeals court panel rejected argument on Jan. 5, despite strong dissent from Chief Justice. That court also is weighing merits of OSHA vaccine rule for large contractors, not in effect now under new US Supreme Court order.

Water Infrastructure

Corps Spells Out Billions in Infrastructure Act Allocations

Tom Ichniowski

January 19, 2022

One Comment

Everglades restoration program receives the largest allotment of roughly $1.1 billion.

Infrastructure

Calif., Baltimore, Milwaukee Water Projects Win $688M in EPA Loans

WIFIA funds support treatment and stormwater improvement projects

James Leggate

January 19, 2022

No Comments

US Environmental Protection Agency says it will provide $7.4 billion this year to State Revolving Funds for water infrastructure projects.

Aerial view of coal ash waste spreading into an adjacent waterway on the photo's right side

Toxic Cleanup

EPA Coal Ash Cleanup Rule Changes Send Utilities, Agencies Back to Drawing Board

Corinne Grinapol

January 18, 2022

No Comments

Agency said it will deny three utility extensions for unlined pond compliance over groundwater pollution risks, as part of larger agency push to strengthen regulation of power plant residuals disposal and facilities with improper storage.

Environment

Biden Administration Sets Framework to Fund $4.7B US Orphan Well Cleanup

Federal task force will prioritize abandoned oil-gas wells that pose most risk to environment, public health

Pam McFarland

January 18, 2022

No Comments

Infrastructure law funds will go to states, tribes to close and remediate abandoned oil and gas sites under new interagency government program

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Transportation Conference

Hope, and Trepidation, for DC Event Attendees on Infrastructure Fund Flow

Equity, technology, and efficiency was also on the agenda at TRB meeting

Aileen Cho

Jim Parsons

January 17, 2022

No Comments

Transportation Research Board attendance was down as US COVID-19 cases rose, but participants spoke volumes about efforts underway and risks ahead to wisely spend billions coming to the sector.

MARTA: GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker Died Jan. 14 by Suicide

Scott Judy

January 16, 2022

One Comment

Executive was praised for his leadership and vision as the agency prepared to launch its largest-ever expansion.

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