Associations support Clean Construction Act

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The Associated General Contractors of America and the Clean Air Task Force say emissions from diesel construction equipment will be significantly reduced at major highway projects in the most polluted areas if the Clean Construction Act of 2011 introduced today by Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) is enacted.

AGC and CATF signaled their strong support for the bipartisan legislation that would provide state transportation officials the authority and funding to incorporate the use of clean construction equipment on federally-funded transportation projects in PM2.5 Nonattainment and Maintenance areas.

“This legislation provides a targeted approach to reducing emissions from construction machines that will be used in the areas of the country that are struggling to meet federal air quality standards,” said Conrad Schneider, advocacy director, CATF.

“This proposal will help safeguard construction jobs and rebuild our aging network of highways and bridges while protecting the environment,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of AGC. “It reflects an appreciation of the fact that how we build infrastructure is often as important as where we build it.”