The commercial and industrial construction industry has a unique interest in energy policy, as it is not only a large-scale energy consumer, but also acts as a key facilitator of domestic energy exploration, production and transportation.
Additionally, ABC and its members strive toward environmental improvement while promoting clear, concise laws to be in compliance at the federal, state and local levels.
Decreasing America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy by increasing domestic exploration and responsible production of fossil fuels and development and expansion of alternative/renewable sources of energy.
Allowing responsible oil and gas development off shore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The development of oil shale technology and the construction of new refineries, along with new and sustainable energy sources.
New construction and upgrades to power plants and transmission infrastructure (e.g., pipelines) built with open competition and without government-mandated project labor agreements.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency overstepping its statutory authority.
Overly burdensome federal regulatory actions that would impede energy production in the United States and result in higher energy costs for hardworking Americans.
ABC supports an all-of-the-above energy policy that lessens the nation’s dependence on foreign sources of energy and encourages the responsible development of traditional fossil fuels along with alternative/renewable energy sources to ensure affordable and reliable energy for all Americans.
ABC supports efforts to ensure environmental quality in our communities through historically proven methods such as gains in efficiency, new available technologies and market-based increases in the use of renewable energy. ABC believes this approach will encourage innovative and affordable solutions to address pollution and reduce carbon emissions in the United States.
ABC will continue to advocate for a comprehensive energy policy and oppose any actions that would destroy American jobs and increase the cost of energy across the United States.
ABC has long been a vocal opponent of the Obama-era 2015 final rule that revised the definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act, also known as the WOTUS final rule. Following issuance of the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which replaced the 2015 WOTUS rule and clarified key elements related to the scope of CWA jurisdiction, ABC continues its commitment to work with the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and ensure the clearest possible regulations so that its members have the information needed to comply with the law while also serving as good stewards of the environment. The NWPR became effective on June 22, 2020 and is being implemented by EPA and the Corps. On June 19, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado stayed the effective date of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule in Colorado. On March 2, 2021, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and vacated the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado’s order. As a result, the 2020 final rule is in effect throughout the country.