Communication lines open

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a partnership to improve environmental regulations, to encourage contractors to take advantage of environmental management systems and to explore ways to assess environmental progress. AGC made the announcement recently at the Environmental Resources Committee meeting at its 84th Annual Convention in Honolulu.

"This partnership underscores AGC member commitment to comply with environmental regulations and EPA’s commitment to assist the industry in reaching compliance," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "Because the construction industry is the delivery system for a cleaner, healthier and safer environment, we welcome the opportunity to work with EPA to develop viable solutions to environmental challenges."

EPA has appointed a high-level member of its Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation to serve as AGC’s point of contact, opening up AGC’s lines of communication with the agency at all levels. AGC will also be in a better position to plan and implement initiatives. As the voice of the construction industry, AGC will help EPA understand the construction process, encourage an open dialogue with industry stakeholders, publicize new compliance assistance tools and offer tips for aligning environment programs--both mandatory and voluntary--with industry needs.

AGC seeks to provide contractors with compliance tools and to develop constructive solutions to complex environmental problems, according to the association. EPA’s invitation to form this partnership is the clearest indication to date that AGC’s environmental compliance services merit recognition.