Philadelphia Construction Law Blog

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced this week that is was extending the public comment period for its new regulations on the use of crystalline silica in construction until January 27, 2014. The extension is seen as a concession to business and industry organizations, a large number of which asked for additional time to analyze the proposed rules and provide educated opinions on it. Certain Congressional Committees also asked for the extension.

On October 13th, we reported that new Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding carbon emissions might have an impact on Pennsylvania’s construction economy. At the time, we reported that those regulations, which are based on a finding by the EPA that carbon emissions are harmful “greenhouse gases”, were subject to a legal challenge. That legal challenge has now been taken up by a number of groups interested in the issue.

In June of this year, President Obama announced his plan to address climate issues. The EPA has announced a number of new regulations that are scheduled for public comment and finalization in the fall of 2014 in furtherance of the President’s agenda. Some of these new regulations have the potential to significantly impact the coal and Marcellus Shale industry, as well as the construction infrastructure that goes along with it, in Pennsylvania.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule on the use of cranes and derricks in underground construction and demolition.

The Engineering News Record recently reported that the push on public health concerns and environmental issues has caused the Environmental Protection Agency to begin imposing more stringent rules on the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in drinking water. The American Water Works Association indicates it expects even more regulations in the industry soon as the EPA races to get them out before President Obama leaves office in 2016.