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EPA rule worries Oregon timber industry
An Environmental Protection Agency rule regulating biomass facilities could affect the way the timber industry disposes of waste wood. Most Oregon timber facilities burn unused wood and convert it into energy, much like biomass. Timber businesses say added regulations and expenses could hurt the bottom line and result in job losses.
Contractors ignoring lead-paint rules
Some Portland contractors are trying to skirt regulations requiring all contractors who renovate pre-1978 homes and buildings to obtain a certified lead-based paint renovation contractor license.
Portland ranks 12th for Energy Star buildings
Energy Star just released its annual rankings for the top 25 U.S. cities with the most Energy Star labeled buildings for 2009. Portland currently ranks 12th in the nation.
Intelligent Transportation Systems seek funding
Portland's various transit agencies have been installing more technologies that can reduce congestion as well as greenhouse gas emissions by keeping traffic moving.
Canadian ‘Buy American’ deal eases sourcing
The U.S. and Canada signed a trade deal last week opening stimulus projects to Canadian suppliers while opening Canadian projects to U.S. suppliers. The deal promises to ease what had become a headache on stimulus projects, particularly water and sewer ones.
No cryptosporidium found in Bull Run
The Portland Water Bureau announced Tuesday that lab samples found no evidence of the parasite cryptosporidium in the Bull Run reservoirs.
EPA denies Portland request for open reservoirs
The Portland Water Bureau‘s last effort to keep its five in-town drinking water reservoirs uncovered has failed. The bureau said it received聽a response from the federal Environmental Protection Agency on […]
Portland officials: Water clean enough
Portland Water Bureau officials are preparing a construction contract they hope never to use. The bureau last week released a request for proposals to design a treatment plant at the Bull Run watershed, the source of Portland's drinking water.
EPA greenhouse gas decision worries contractors
After the federal Environmental Protection Agency on Monday declared greenhouse gases a danger to the public, construction groups said the decision could crush their already struggling industry. If the EPA […]
Next freeway exit: a greener truck stop
Electrified parking spaces allow truckers to plug in to a 鈥榩ower pedestal鈥� delivering 120-volt and 208-volt power, Internet access and cable TV service while they rest at a truck stop. Plugged-in trucks use only one gallon of fuel per night, saving cash and reducing emissions. But so far, few truckers are plugging in.
AGC fuming about exhaust rules
New diesel emissions rules could hit California contractors starting next year, and the Associated General Contractors of America wants to stop those rules from sweeping the whole country. The rules would limit exhaust from off-road vehicles 鈥� including construction equipment 鈥� already in use, not just new vehicles.
Energy Star loses its shine
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency readies a more stringent set of Energy Star guidelines for new homes and the appliances inside them, Oregon is ahead of the curve because […]
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
