The incoming Trump administration is set to reassess and potentially relax various environmental regulations affecting the construction and real estate sectors. Industry experts anticipate a more lenient regulatory environment, which could have both advantages and challenges. A key area of focus will be the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed heat rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme temperatures. Additionally, there is optimism regarding the acceleration of pre-construction environmental reviews, including remediation projects.
Potential Changes to Worker Safety Regulations
Industry professionals are closely monitoring potential changes to worker safety rules, particularly OSHA's proposed heat regulation. This rule aims to safeguard millions of workers exposed to high temperatures during their shifts. While business groups generally favor fewer regulations, frequent policy shifts can complicate long-term planning for major projects. The Gateway rail program linking New York and New Jersey exemplifies this challenge, having spanned multiple presidential administrations.
Construction risk management consultant Christopher Ward emphasizes the importance of consistent standards for contractors. Frequent changes make it difficult for them to accurately price bids and adhere to schedules. Although the proposed heat rule was developed with industry input, its future under the new administration remains uncertain. President-elect Trump is expected to halt the rule-making process, as noted by legal experts. The rule would require employers to implement measures such as providing drinking water and breaks when temperatures exceed 80 degrees for over 15 minutes within an hour. With summers becoming increasingly hotter, the need for such protections is growing more urgent.
Accelerating Environmental Reviews and Infrastructure Projects
Despite historic investments in infrastructure under the Biden administration, many projects face delays due to lengthy environmental review processes. Brian Turmail, from the Associated General Contractors of America, highlights the irony that these projects may only begin under the Trump administration. Measures enacted by Congress aim to streamline these reviews without altering the standards, potentially speeding up project timelines. For instance, the Brent Spence bridge between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky has been under review for nearly two decades, underscoring the need for faster approvals.
While some programs like Energy Star are likely to endure due to their multi-year development, other initiatives may face scrutiny. Chris Fisher from Ducker Carlisle explains that changing behaviors in design, specification, and installation requires significant education and training. Therefore, drastic changes might not be feasible in the short term. Overall, the construction industry looks forward to a more streamlined approach to environmental reviews, hoping to expedite critical infrastructure projects that have been stalled for years.