Master Builders of Iowa

Recent upgrades to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new "Rulemaking Gateway" offers small businesses "an easy way" to track most rulemakings, according to the Agency.  This website provides an overview of EPA's priority rulemakings that are currently under development. It also serves as a portal to more in-depth information on other federal websites such as Regulations.gov.  AGC previously reported in the Observer on the launch of these websites, along with other tools to help contractors stay informed and involved with policymaking decisions at EPA and other federal government agencies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it will delay enforcement of the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) regulations.  The Agency issued a memorandum providing renovation firms and workers additional time to obtain necessary training and certifications to comply with its new lead paint rules. AGC of America stated that EPA's decision is a win for contractors.
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The Environmental Projection Agency recently announced final rule-making effort which tightens the air quality standard of sulfur-dioxide and other small particulate emissions.  Currently, the new rule only impacts one county in Iowa (Muscatine), however, as approved the new emission parameters have a potential to also impact various counties throughout the state of Iowa.

For the entire article from the Des Moines Register, please CLICK HERE. 

On May 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a "Tailoring Rule" that requires greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions permits for the construction, renovation and operation of large facilities.  The Clean Air Act New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and title V stationary source permit programs were triggered for GHGs once the agency began regulating such gases under the Act, which happened when it finalized first-ever GHG emission limits for new motor vehicles on April 1.

Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) Wednesday unveiled a new approach to climate change legislation they say can achieve the 60 votes necessary to pass the Senate.  However, no Republicans have expressed support for the package and today all six west coast Democrats came out in opposition to provisions they feel did not restrict off shore drilling enough.  The 987-page American Power Act promises to cut U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, consistent with President Obama's pledge to the international community in December 2009.  It would still allow the EPA to regulate stationary sources under the Clean Air Act. 

For the reminder of the article, CLICK HERE.