French state-controlled utility EDF Energy, Paris, signed a “strategic investment agreement” on Oct. 21 transferring 33.5% of its 100% ownership of the U.K.’s planned nuclear power plant to Beijing-based China General Nuclear Corp.
Congress has passed a new budget blueprint that would provide relatively modest increases in federal spending for the current fiscal year and the next one. That could provide a boost for construction programs.
Energy storage is a hot topic in California, where lawmakers are mandating that the state’s three biggest utility companies provide 33% of their electrical energy from renewable sources by 2020. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric are mandated to buy a total of at least 1300 MW of energy storage to help make the plan work.
A multiyear highway and transit bill—the construction industry’s longtime top legislative priority— is advancing on Capitol Hill, with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s approval of a six-year, estimated $325-billion measure.
A new Bureau of Reclamation report on a major mine wastewater spill in Colorado isn’t likely to halt criticism heaped on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its role in the Aug. 5 blowout.
Still reeling from a drop in demand for commodities, Caterpillar Inc. missed Wall Street expectations on Oct 22, reporting third-quarter profit of only $368 million, including $101 million in restructuring costs.