• Environmental Impact Statement Advances Texas High-Speed Train Project

    On May 29, 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Texas High-Speed Train project, a regulatory milestone that ensures the state-of-the-art system will be built in a way that minimizes impacts to landowners and the environment along the 240-mile alignment. The release of this more than 10,000-page…

  • Port Houston Successfully Managing through Pandemic – Keeping People First

    Standing for Social Justice, Economic Equality, Community Partnerships The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met in virtual session Tuesday for its regular monthly meeting. Port Chairman Ric Campo opened his remarks by declaring that events surrounding the pandemic and social injustice were a “wake up call,” and committed Port Houston to “double…

  • U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $11.5 Million In Worker Safety and Health Training Grants

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the availability of $11.5 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants for nonprofit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor/management associations, Indian tribes, and colleges and universities. The Harwood Training Grant program supports in-person, hands-on training for workers and employers…

  • Which face coverings are best for preventing jobsite coronavirus spread?

    While any face covering will help contain the usual droplets that come from coughing, sneezing and even speaking, there are things to look for in a face covering to maximize jobsite safety from the coronavirus.  Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, using flow visualization testing in a laboratory equipped with…

  • The Top Ten Mistakes Contractors Often Make When Submitting Online for Permit

    The past few months have thrown many Contractors into a frenzy figuring out how to submit plan electronically.  While some contractors plowed on through and wasted time figuring out how to submit, others attempted to go the jurisdiction only to be told to submit online, and then, there were those contractors so frustrated, they proceeded…

  • REDUCING NATURAL GAS FLARING

    At a recent meeting of the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas Methane Flaring Coalition laid out a series of best-practice recommendations for industry and regulators to consider as we all move toward a goal of zero routine flaring in the Permian Basin. We’re proud to add our voice to this diverse group calling for action – everyone from…

  • Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition Launches New Online Education Resources

    The Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition (the Coalition), an alliance of Texas oil and natural gas trade associations and nearly 40 Texas energy companies, today announced they have launched new educational tools and resources for stakeholders, legislators and regulators, and the general public who are seeking to gain a better understanding of issues related to…

  • Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan finalized

    The Railroad Commission of Texas has released its latest strategic priorities in regulating the state’s oil and gas industry. The RRC’s Fiscal Year 2021 priorities are outlined in the Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan which can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/58340/og-s-plan-fy-2021.pdf Texas’ oil and gas industry is vital to the state’s budget and…

  • 9.1% Doesn’t Equal Economic Justice: What the Harris County Commissioners Court Disparity Study Reveals

    Ensuring that minorities, women, and other disadvantaged groups have fair access to economic opportunity is a top priority for the Harris County Commissioners Court. Minority and women-owned businesses play a vital role in the local economy and are driving the growth of new business and jobs in Harris County. Advancing fair and inclusive economic policies to bolster their long-term success will…

  • The 5 Best Tech Opportunities for Construction Companies

    Construction has been one of the slowest industries to adopt technology. That’s partly cultural—folks in the industry like to solve problems with their own ingenuity. Many firms are still family owned, and there’s still a lot reverence for tradition. Plus, this is an industry with thin margins, where the first funding priorities are equipment and personnel….

  • Contractors pledge to combat racial inequality

    Construction firms across the country are responding to recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice with statements calling for an end to inequity and with programs to attract and retain diverse team members. Turner Construction has posted messages of support on its websites and on social media. “Recent events are a stark and painful reminder of…

  • Port Houston Achieves Security Management System ISO 28000 Recertification Continuing Long Commitment to Security

    Port Houston, the largest port on the U.S. Gulf Coast, recently obtained its ISO 28000 recertification for its Security Management System (SMS) for the fifth time. This exceptional achievement was accomplished without any non-conformances. Port Houston in 2008 became the first port authority in the world to receive this international security designation, which outlines stringent…