News from APCA
APCA Opposes New WOTUS Rule
A new EPA rule on Waters of the U.S. is "burdensome and unnecessary" and impedes America’s efforts to realize our full energy potential, according to the American Pipeline Contractors Association.
"APCA strongly opposes the recent EPA announcement of a final rule on Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and repeal of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR)," the association said in a statement. "This ill-advised and poorly timed announcement only adds burdensome and unnecessary regulations to the process. Permitting reform and similar regulatory updates are necessary to unlock America’s full energy potential, and this decision moves us in the wrong direction. With a case affecting WOTUS regulations pending before the Supreme Court, this decision injects confusion into what should be a busy year of construction. APCA urges the Biden Administration to roll back this regulation as soon as possible and asks Congress to undertake meaningful action to reform the pipeline permitting process as a top priority."
APCA Comments in Opposition to NOPR on Project Labor Agreements
In comments to the Biden administration on October 18, the American Pipeline Contractors Association strongly objected to the proposed use of government-mandated Project Labor Agreements on federal construction contracts of $35 million or more.
"The proposed PLA rule on federal contracts over $35 million will reduce competition and drive up costs for the American taxpayer, resulting in a far slower rate of pipeline buildouts and upgrades needed to serve American families and businesses. For these reasons, the hard-working men and women who build America's vital energy pipelines strongly oppose the proposed PLA rule," APCA stated.
APCA Announces Release of 811 Emergency Study
APCA is proud to inform you of today's release of a new, comprehensive study of the nation's 811 system, which found that failures in the system are costing the U.S. some $61 billion a year in waste and excess costs and creating unnecessary hazards for public safety.
The study, unprecedented in scope and scale in the damage prevention space, was conducted by Continuum Capital for the Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC), a coalition of industry groups who represent regular users and stakeholders in the 811 system and want to see it run safely and efficiently.
You can view the study at the coalition website: www.ipcweb.org.
APCA Addresses Reconciliation Pitfalls in Letter to Congressional Leaders
As Congress nears an agreement on budget reconciliation legislation, APCA President Taylor Dacus sent a letter to congressional leaders on October 28 that offers our industry’s perspective on the consideration of a methane emission fee and of several harmful labor policies.
"APCA strongly objects to including a methane emissions fee/tax in reconciliation legislation," Dacus stated. "This proposal could lead to double taxation of critical members of the energy supply chain that are at the forefront of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including methane."
APCA Members Express Strong Opposition to PRO Act
Members of the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) have been contacting their federal Representatives and Senators in early March to share their strong opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. APCA has long represented the interests of those who build and maintain America's energy infrastructure, and its members believe that the PRO Act (H.R. 842) would have serious negative consequences on the U.S. economy and workers.
APCA Decries Keystone Revocation
The American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) expressed strong disappointment in President Biden’s revocation of the cross-border permit between the U.S. and Canada for the Keystone XL pipeline as part of his “Day 1” executive actions. The pipeline was being built to carry more than 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast, passing through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The president’s move comes at a time when 300 miles of pipeline included in the 1,200-mile project have already been constructed and when the energy industry cannot afford to lose sacred jobs in midst of a global pandemic.
APCA Signs onto Letter Opposing Trucking Mandates
On September 16, a coalition of 31 associations, including APCA, sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate and House transportation committees opposing four costly and burdensome proposals that are being floated for inclusion the next highway bill.
Senate Committee Schedules Hearing on Ring's NLRB Confirmation
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced on Wednesday that it will hold a hearing on the confirmation of John Ring to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on February 14.
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