President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders that could raise the cost of construction projects.
Trump aims to place new restrictions on foreign worker visas and limit the materials that public agencies can buy from foreign manufacturers. The President’s "Buy American, Hire American" order includes increased restrictions on the waivers that public agencies use to buy goods from overseas.
That measure requires agency chiefs to sign off on any exemptions to domestic sourcing requirements and mandates that transportation projects use steel that has been melted and poured in the U.S. Trump’s actions include a revamping of the H-1B skilled-worker lottery program that governs certain foreign workers’ ability to work in the U.S.
The executive order calls for a 220-day review period by agency heads to figure out how to make the changes necessary to comply. There will be no changes to existing rules for several months.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2019
Tailgating remains a critical building security threat, say security professionals
Few buildings provide beefed up provisions to counteract threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2019
New seismic standard to evaluate, retrofit existing structural steel buildings open for review
AISC seeks input through Nov. 4.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
Open source tool allows comparison of embodied carbon emissions from construction materials
Enables carbon-smart choices during material specification and procurement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2019
AIA declaration: Climate change requires ‘holistic approach’
Must address interdependencies among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
San Jose’s new building energy code is the most stringent among large cities
New regulations aim to make zero-emission electric buildings the norm.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
Building support for climate action depends on linking it to health, economic benefits
USGBC report finds most people don’t think environmental problems significant enough to prioritize action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
OSHA has a new chief for its construction directorate
Former Army medical staffer Scott Ketcham has extensive OSHA experience.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
American Wood Council updates free Connection Calculator
Tool includes cross-laminated timber connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Virtual reconnaissance of Bahamas finds some structures performed well during Dorian
Amid devastation, lives likely saved by resilient buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule revoked
New rule expected to define protected waterways more narrowly.
