Regulatory Relief and Rising Backlogs: Two Bright Spots for Contractors

ABC Florida East Coast is tracking the latest national developments impacting our industry. From the courts to Congress, merit shop priorities are at the forefront.

National Legislative and Regulatory Issues

In a major win for permitting reform, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of narrowing the scope of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), aligning with an amicus brief supported by ABC. Meanwhile, the Senate HELP Committee held confirmation hearings for key Department of Labor and Education nominees, and the House passed two ABC-backed small-business bills promoting workforce education and clearer federal contracts.

On the regulatory front, ABC Vice President Ben Brubeck voiced strong opposition to OSHA’s revived injury tracking rules and sweeping heat illness proposal, which ABC argues are rigid, burdensome, and unworkable on dynamic jobsites. ABC also joined a lawsuit challenging OSHA’s “Walkaround” rule, warning of increased safety and legal risks from unqualified third parties on non-union job sites.

Finally, ABC renewed its strategic partnership with Travis West and the Fringe Benefit Group, supporting compliance and benefits solutions for over 500 member contractors working under prevailing wage laws.

We encourage our members to stay engaged, utilize ABC’s compliance resources, and share their voice on issues shaping the future of merit shop construction.

Read the full ABC Regulatory Roundup by clicking here.