plan review and inspections, as many inspectors’ interpretation of code varied. We recognized the need for education and training and a shift that needed to happen with the historically retaliatory culture. Through our meetings we’ve been discussing a number of topics, including: • Tird Party Inspectors • Project Documents • Standard Book of Design • Rated Condition and Use of Engineering Judgement


• Training Needs More recently we have been working


with Chief Goodrich on a request for representatives to develop a design-build plan review submittal guideline.


Advocacy Around CARB’s Advance Fleet Regulation AGC of California has consistently been advocating on behalf of our members to mitigate the many risks and uncertainties around the recently passed California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. This regulation applies to entities that have either $50 million or more in gross annual revenues, or that own, operate, or have common ownership or control of a total of 50 or more vehicles (excluding light-duty package delivery vehicles). Te regulation affects medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds. Through the proposal process, in-


dustry was able to stop the CARB board from lowering the threshold of how many trucks a company owns from 50 to 10; however, many questions around imple- mentation were still unanswered. Understanding the complications of


this regulation, AGC of California actively advocated for the establishment of an implementation working group (IWG) by CARB alongside the California Construc-


18


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023


Successful advocacy is not about imposing one’s views on others, but about fostering understanding, finding shared interests, and working collaboratively towards mutually beneficial solutions. In doing so, AGC of California is able to navigate the complex world of regulation and legislation by unifying our industry to shape policy.


tion and Industrial Material Association. On May 5, 2023 AGC of California submitted comments to the California Air Resource Board’s clerk, expressing the need and desire to be a part of an IWG. We provided the purpose, make- up, method, and structure of what such a group would look like and the benefits of its establishment by CARB. In July, CARB released a notice enti-


tled “Advanced Clean Fleets Meeting to Discuss Formation of Truck Regulation Advisory Committee.” Tis notice was in direct alignment with industry’s advocacy efforts and provided an opportunity for our industry to express the challenges we will face in complying with the regu- lation while actively working to execute projects at the scale and caliber we are experiencing. To go beyond our comments submit-


ted on May 5, AGC of California initiated a coalition letter encouraging CARB to add crucial questions to the Frequently Asked Questions document and answer


the questions accordingly. Additionally, within the coalition letter we urged CARB to include various trade organizations and relevant construction labor unions in the process of developing documents and other aspects of implementation through the Truck Regulatory Advisory Committee. Tose who signed the coa- lition letter included: • California Construction and Industrial Materials Association


• Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition


• Rebuild SoCal Partnership • Operating Engineers Local 12 • California Alliance for Jobs • California Construction & Industrial Material Association


• United Contractors • Southern California Contractors Association


• Los Angeles County Business Federation


Industry Consensus Key to Change Consensus from industry is necessary while working to foster relationships to develop change. Successful advocacy is not about imposing one’s views on oth- ers, but about fostering understanding, finding shared interests, and working col- laboratively towards mutually beneficial solutions. In doing so, AGC of California is able to navigate the complex world of regulation and legislation by unifying our industry to shape policy. At AGC of California we are proud to


serve as the voice of the industry. Our leadership role means it is our charge to pull industry together, not wedge it further apart.


Chris O’Connor is Vice President, Engagement & Legislative Affairs, Brian Mello is Associate Vice President, Engagement & Regulatory Affairs, and Peter Tateishi is CEO, AGC of California.


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