In an effort to "enhance and modernize" NEPA, and to reduce the time projects take to move through the environmental review process, the administration is moving forward with streamlining plans set into place in the 2017 Executive Order, "Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environment Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure." Read more here.

DOL Receives Over 300K Industry and Expert Comments on Proposed Apprenticeship Rule

After publishing the proposed rule on June 25, the DOL received a surprising amount of feedback, the majority of which focuses on the construction exemption from the proposed Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). The DOL will consider these comments before issuing a final rule. Read more here.

EPA Announces Proposed Revisions and Overhaul to 1991 Lead and Copper Rule

The proposed rule would mark the first changes to the rule in over two decades. The rule primarily seeks to deliver clean drinking water to all communities by improving identification, sampling, and other protocols. EPA will be taking public comment on this proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register via www.regulations.gov. Read more here.

Infrastructure Project Funding from WIFIA Loans and USDA Rural Projects Being Announced

WIFIA loan awards have started coming down the pipeline, including the largest single disbursement to date, $436 million to Indiana. The USDA Rural Grants, first announced June 26,  are beginning to be distributed to states, localities, and specific projects. If you are in one of those 29 states, funds should find their way to a project near you soon.