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CICA is your source for plain language explanations of environmental rules for the construction industry. This information is provided free of charge by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. Funding for this project has been provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Inclusion of a resource and/or news item on CICA are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by NCMS or EPA.
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Waters of the US (WOTUS). The final "Revised Definition of Waters of the United States" rule was published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023. However, the final rule is not currently operative in certain states and for certain parties due to litigation. Please visit EPA's Rule Statuspage for additional information.
Revised Assistance on the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP or Lead Paint) Rule: Contractors working in older (before 1978) buildings need to follow the RRP Rule to keep themselves and customers and occupants safe from lead. Find clear information on the four main requirements with links to helpful tools and information to help you comply at http://www.cicacenter.org/leadrrp.php.
AGC has posted and is maintaining COVID-19 information, including Safety, Health and Environmental resources relevant to the construction industry. Go to to AGC COVID-19 Resources.
Contractors - US EPA published information for lead renovation firms to help fulfill your legal requirements and to protect yourself, your employees, and your clients from the dangers of lead exposure. This material includes safe work practices and printable brochures (English and Spanish) for distribution to your customers. Go to EPA RRP Contractor Resources.
EPA Finalizes AGC-Supported Addition of Aerosol Cans to the Universal Waste Regulations. On Nov. 15, 2019 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized an AGC-supported rule expanding the universal waste regulations to include aerosol cans and streamlining the management of this waste. More information.
09/20/2023 - EPA Offers Critical Training to Curb Violations at Construction Sites Releases Spanish Language Version of Training Course Materials [more]
10/02/2023 - Biden-Harris Administration Announces $100 Million in Grants to Support Manufacturers of Cleaner Construction Materials as Part of Investing in America Agenda [more]
08/28/2023 - Building Climate Progress: One Year Since the Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act [more]
09/25/2023 - Construction & Demolition Recycling Association event to take place Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Florida [more]
08/10/2023 - EPA Releases Environmental Justice Toolkit for Lead Paint Enforcement Programs [more]
08/02/2023 - CICA Center Posts Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule and Lead Abatement Activities Updates [more]
07/28/2023 - A Patchwork of Differing State Laws to Protect Wetlands [more]
07/12/2023 - Biden-Harris Administration Proposes to Strengthen Lead Paint Standards to Protect Against Childhood Lead Exposure [more]
06/13/2023 - EPA Clarifies Regulatory Status of Spent Lithium Batteries [more]
