Construction Spending Diverges In December With Slump In Private Nonresidential Sector, Mixed Public Work, And Boom In Homebuilding

Construction spending in December exhibited sharply varied trends, with downturns from a year earlier in every private category, mixed results for public construction, and double-digit increases in residential construction, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new figures demonstrate how the pandemic is boosting demand for new housing while undermining demand for most other types of construction projects. Read on.

U.S. EPA Holds Webinars on 2021 DERA Request Application

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host two information sessions in February on the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $46 million in DERA funding and is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. The request for applications (RFA) closes on March 16, 2021 (applications due). Read on.

President Biden Focuses on COVID-19 Safety in the Workplace

On January 21, President Biden issued an executive order (EO) calling on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue revised COVID-19 guidance to employers by February 4. In addition to issuing revised guidance, OSHA must consider if an emergency temporary standard (ETS) is necessary, including the necessity for masks in the workplace. Read on.