Environment
EPA Seeks to Revise Definition of Waters of the U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army have announced their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). EPA Administrator Michael Regan says that the Navigable Waters Protection Rule enacted during the Trump administration to define WOTUS “is leading to significant environmental degradation.”
EPA Proposes 2022 Construction General Permit
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 12 published the proposed 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP) in the Federal Register. The current 2017 CGP permit is in effect until Feb. 16, 2022, when the final 2022 CGP will become effective for five years.
Biden Signs Sweeping Executive Order on Climate Change that Affects Housing
President Joe Biden yesterday signed a sweeping executive order on climate change, entitled “Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk,” that the White House says “will help the American people better understand how climate change can impact their financial security.”
New Indiana Wetlands Law Allows Builders to Benefit from Federal Water Rule
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed a state wetlands bill into law last month, marking a big victory for the Indiana Builders Association (IBA) and members across the state.
FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 Framework Will Alter Flood Insurance Rates
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released new details outlining the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, an initiative to transform the National Flood Insurance Program program to make it more consumer friendly and better reflect the actual risks properties face.
How Much Does Whole-Home Electrification Cost?
Electrification is a strategy for decarbonizing the economy by drawing down the use of fossil fuels in transportation, buildings, and electricity generation. But how much does it cost to fully electrify a home?
Court Ruling Means Navigable Waters Protection Rule Now in Effect in Colorado
On March 2, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a preliminary injunction on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) issued by the Colorado District Court. The ruling means that all states are now regulated by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) — at least until the Biden administration develops a new rule or an amendment.
Biden Issues Two Executive Orders to Rescind Trump-Era Environmental Regulations
Immediately after taking office, President Biden signed two executive orders that signaled his intention to take a comprehensive review of all the Trump administration’s deregulatory actions concerning climate change, energy efficiency and the environment.
Biden Executive Orders Address Climate Change
President Biden signed a series of executive actions last week, including two issues related to climate change policy. NAHB will continue to monitor developments in the implementation of these actions and how they could impact the housing industry.
Two ‘Final’ Environmental Rules That are Not Yet Final
On Jan. 20, the Biden administration implemented a regulatory freeze for all pending regulations. Two “final” environmental rules affecting the housing industry were swept up in this presidential action.
