Related Links: Rep. Blumenauer News Release on Introduction of Legislation Gas Tax Frequently-Asked Questions Several construction, transportation and labor organizations are supporting a House measure that would phase in a 15¢-per-gallon increase in the federal gasoline tax over three years. The bill would raise additional revenue to shore up the Highway Trust Fund.The bill, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) on Dec. 4, faces an uphill battle. But the proposal is an important conversation starter, says Beth McGinn, American Road & Transportation Builders Association spokeswoman. She notes that the trust fund is likely to run out of money in 2014

Related Links: Information on a Senate Finance Committee Proposal for Comprehensive Tax Reform Information on Ways and Means Ideas on Comprehensive Tax Reform Several tax incentives that benefit the construction industry are set to lapse on Dec. 31, and industry officials say Congress isn't likely to extend them before that deadline. Lawmakers may act in 2014 to revive these "extenders" and make them retroactive. Some groups are more worried than others about the tax breaks' coming expiration, but most agree that yearly extensions are a poor substitute for broad tax reform.Some construction firms immediately will feel the loss of accelerated

Related Links: Text of Supreme Court opinion in Atlantic Marine Construction Co. v. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas Industry Awaits High Court's Ruling in Forum-Selection Case (ENR 10/21/2013 issue) Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Forum Selection for Disputes (ENR 10/14/2013 issue) The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously in a case dealing with contract clauses that determine in which courts a dispute may be heard. But attorneys who specialize in construction issues are divided about what the decision means for the industry.In its opinion issued on Dec. 3 in the case, Atlantic Marine Construction Co. v.

Related Links: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Opinion EPA information on decision to withdraw permit Construction industry officials are hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court will agree to hear a case that centers on the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to withdraw a construction permit issued by another federal agency.The case focuses on EPA’s decision to revoke a 2007 Army Corps of Engineers permit granted to Mingo Logan Coal Co. to discharge and fill material from a West Virginia coal mine into local streams. In withdrawing the permit, EPA said that after extensive scientific study, a public hearing

Related Links: Labor Dept. Affirmative-Action Rules Draw Construction Groups' Ire ABC 11/19/2013 Lawsuit The Associated Builders and Contractors has filed a lawsuit that aims to halt Dept. of Labor final rules for federal contractors in hiring veterans and people with disabilities. ABC's lawsuit, filed on Nov. 19 in federal district court in Washington, D.C., seeks to enjoin parts of the rules, which are to take effect March 24. Geoff Burr, ABC vice president of federal affairs, said the agency exceeded its authority and set "wasteful and burdensome" requirements in collecting data and keeping records.The Associated General Contractors was able to

Related Links: Energy and Commerce Committee press release on Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Act House Energy Committee Fact Sheet on the Legislation The House has passed legislation to accelerate federal approval of permits for natural-gas pipeline projects. However, the Senate is unlikely to clear the measure.The bill, approved 252-165 on Nov. 21, would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 12 months to approve or deny projects.Although 26 House Democrats voted for the measure, it appears to be dead on arrival in the Senate. Further, President Obama has threatened a veto.The bill's supporters, including its chief sponsor, Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.),

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Senate Photo Studio Boxer (center) is the lead Senate WRDA negotiator; Shuster (left) heads the House's negotiations. Related Links: Water-Resources Bill Heads for House-Senate Conference Webcast of Nov. 20 meeting of House and Senate conferees Negotiations to work out a new Water Resources Development Act have formally begun, with an upbeat first meeting of a House-Senate conference committee on Nov. 20. Now, the work moves behind the scenes as lawmakers and aides try to resolve differences between the bills each chamber passed by wide margins earlier this year. At stake are $8 billion or more in

Related Links: Sen. Reid's remarks on changing the Senate Rules The Democrat-controlled Senate voted 52-48 on Nov. 21 to cut the number of votes needed to confirm presidential nominees to agencies and judgeships to 51 from 60; the vote alters a long-standing rule.Senate Democrats said the change will ease the gridlock that has stalled nominees. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) says, if the GOP gains the Senate majority in the future, the move may backfire on Democrats.

Related Links: OBO Director Lydia Muniz statement State Dept. Embassy Program Moves Design Excellence Program Into New Phase (enr.com 4/24/2011) The State Dept. closed out fiscal year 2013 with a flurry of large embassy construction contract awards in September—the fiscal year’s last month—including new construction and major renovations totaling $618.3 million in Europe, Africa, South America and New Zealand.For all of FY 2013, which ended on Sept. 30, the department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) awarded $646 million in construction and renovation contracts, plus another $102.8 million in task orders.In September, Caddell Construction Co., Montgomery, Ala., won three embassy

Map by Shem Oirer/ENR Art Department Tanzania's planned 480-kilometer highway project includes a 53-km section cutting through Serengeti National Park. Related Links: Tanzania Drives On With Planned Road Through Serengeti Park Serengeti Road Project Halted for Wildlife Study A recent court ruling clearing the way for a legal challenge to Tanzania's delayed plans for a 53-kilometer road across the world-famous Serengeti National Park has endangered the proposed project's construction.The regional East Africa Court of Justice (EACJ) ruled, in August, that because the Serengeti National Park is located within both Tanzania and Kenya, the court has the jurisdiction to hear the