National Demolition Association Advocacy Updates
Published: 19/8, 2019
To highlight NDA’s legislative and regulatory efforts for our members, the association’s new Demolition NOW podcast provides analysis of government affairs issues impacting the industry along with engaging interviews of industry leaders and government officials to provide members need-to-know updates. In the first half of the year, Demolition Now has featured NDA President Chris Godek on his recent trip to the European Demolition Association (EDA) Study Tour in Japan, Government Affairs Committee Chair Denis McGarel on the objectives and outcomes of NDA’s Washington Fly-In, and US EPA Region 5 Representative Jon Grosshans on opportunities for collaboration with NDA and resources for contractors on funding and compliance.
In addition, Demolition NOW discussed opportunity zones and the role of demolition with Scott Turner, executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council; Joe DeFelice, regional administrator for Region 3 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Michelle Christian, regional administrator for Region 3 of the Small Business Administration. A future episode will feature interviews with representatives from Department of Transportation to discuss infrastructure and regulations on the drug and alcohol clearinghouse for CDLs.
Recently, NDA submitted comments to federal regulatory agencies on a number of issues facing the industry, including comment to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration supporting an exemption request from one of the criteria for using the “short-haul – 100 air-mile radius driver” exception to the requirement for the preparation and retention of records of duty status.
NDA, in conjunction with the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, submitted written comments in mid-June in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s request for information on powered industrial trucks. Additionally, NDA submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor on the proposed update to regular rate requirements. The proposed updates to the regulations attempt to clarify joint employer status for purposes of wage liability under the Fair Labor Standards Act. NDA will be submitting comment on a possible update to the Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard. The agency is interested in comments on the use of control circuit-type devices to isolate energy, as well as the evolving technology for robotics. Finally, NDA plans to submit comment on the anticipated RFI on Table 1 for crystalline silica.
On the legislative front, in May, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce considered legislation to “prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of asbestos and asbestos-containing mixtures and articles.” The bill is sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) with 34 co-sponsors. NDA submitted written comments for the record. While the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing, the committee has yet to hold a vote. More information on these and other efforts is available at demolitionassociation.com/advocacy.