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 | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2019
Codes organizations to develop new guidelines on shipping containers as building components
Intl. Code Council and Modular Building Institute combine forces.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2019
Plan for transformation of Lower Manhattan streetscapes unveiled
Pedestrian-friendly “Slow Streets” pilot starts on Earth Day 2019.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2019
Newly developed building materials could have big impact on sustainability
Transparent wood, self-cooling walls, bricks that filter air pollutants among the technological breakthroughs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
