Master Builders of Iowa

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) works to reduce the amount of solid waste generated on construction sites in the state of Iowa.

Through a competitive process, financial assistance is available for a variety of projects, including source reduction, recycling and education.

The program provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans, zero interest loans, and 3 percent interest loans. A 50 percent cost share is required through cash match and in-kind match. Projects are selected through a quarterly competitive process. Emphasis for selected projects is placed on tonnage avoided or reduced, sustainability and ability to replicate.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) have done a great job tracking the developments surrounding the “cap and trade” bill – HR 2454.  With the debate on healthcare seizing the headlines, work still continues behind the scenes on HR 2454 to try to reach consensus on major environmental reforms.  The proverbial “guard” should not be let down on this one.

The AGC has compiled a comprehensive summary of each title of the bill.  The most recent summary is on Title IV (Transitioning to a Clean Energy Economy).  CLICK HERE to read more and view summaries of Titles I though III.

A guest article to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) highlights some of the risks adherent to “green building”.  It is an interesting article that provides good perspective.

Please click here to view the entire article.  It is an important, thought-provoking read.

When the US Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, the US Senate will resume work on H.R. 2454, the infamous “Cap and Trade” bill.  If you recall, this bill passed the US House by the narrow margin of 219-212.

Central to H.R. 2454 is a cap and trade program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities, oil companies and other sources.  The bill also supports the development of clean energy technologies and infrastructure and promotes energy efficiency in buildings, transportation and appliances.  Among many other things, the bill would trigger emissions standards for stationary sources that are not covered by the cap and trade program, emissions standards for a variety of vehicle types (including new heavy duty trucks and other types of non-road vehicles and engines) and requirements for state and local transportation planners to better link transportation and land-use decisions.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee staff have indicated that S. 1005, the Water Infrastructure Financing Act of 2009, will not come up for a vote before for the full Senate until legislators return from the August recess in September.

S.1005 authorizes $39.191 billion for EPA water infrastructure programs over the next five years, including: $20 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program and $14.7 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program. Annual dollars authorized for EPA SRF Programs are detailed in the chart below.