Attorneys tell court in Jan. 18 brief that mandate is legal under US procurement law to insure "economical and efficient" contracting, but Cincinnati appeals court panel rejected argument on Jan. 5, despite strong dissent from Chief Justice. That court also is weighing merits of OSHA vaccine rule for large contractors, not in effect now under new US Supreme Court order.
Agency said it will deny three utility extensions for unlined pond compliance over groundwater pollution risks, as part of larger agency push to strengthen regulation of power plant residuals disposal and facilities with improper storage.
Transportation Research Board attendance was down as US COVID-19 cases rose, but participants spoke volumes about efforts underway and risks ahead to wisely spend billions coming to the sector.