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Why Infrastructure Projects Get Stuck: 4 Problems BAAJA Would Address
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release:
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Why Infrastructure Projects Get Stuck: 4 Problems BAAJA Would Address
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Congress has a historic opportunity to overhaul America's permitting system. But beyond the headlines, what would the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) actually change?
The bill targets obstacles throughout the permitting process that can delay critical infrastructure, drive up construction costs and ultimately affect the price consumers pay for energy.
Here's a closer look at four problems
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Energy] -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following news release:
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Why Infrastructure Projects Get Stuck: 4 Problems BAAJA Would Address
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Congress has a historic opportunity to overhaul America's permitting system. But beyond the headlines, what would the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) actually change?
The bill targets obstacles throughout the permitting process that can delay critical infrastructure, drive up construction costs and ultimately affect the price consumers pay for energy.
Here's a closer look at four problemsBAAJA would address and how the proposed reforms in the legislation would work.
The problem: Before many major energy projects can be permitted and built, they must undergo a federal review that analyzes their potential environmental impact.
Federal law sets deadlines for completing certain environmental reviews, but finishing a review does not mean a project has received all the authorizations needed to move forward. Projects can still wait months for federal agencies to make those final decisions, creating uncertainty that can delay construction, increase costs and make it harder for companies to secure financing, hire workers and plan projects.
How BAAJA would fix it: BAAJA would establish clear deadlines for federal decisions after environmental analysis is completed. The lead agency would generally have 45 days to formally issue its decision, while other federal agencies would generally face 90-or-120-day deadlines to decide on remaining authorizations.
Why it matters: Clear timelines for final permitting decisions could reduce delay and costs, give companies greater certainty to plan construction and provide a clearer path for needed energy infrastructure to come online sooner.
The problem: Before many energy projects can receive federal permits, states must certify that they meet water-quality requirements under the Clean Water Act.
But in some cases, states have denied these certifications based on concerns entirely unrelated to water quality. Because a denied certification can prevent the federal government from issuing the required permit, a decision in one state can hold up an entire interstate project.
How BAAJA would fix it: For interstate natural gas pipelines and certain electric-transmission projects, BAAJA would more clearly tie these reviews to applicable water-quality standards. States could still require safeguards or deny certification if those standards aren't met.
Why it matters: These denials can put years of planning and investment at risk, increase project costs and delay infrastructure needed to deliver energy to consumers. Clearer standards could reduce that uncertainty while preserving states' authority to protect water quality.
The problem: Even after a federal agency approves an energy project, legal challenges on the agency's actions can be brought years later. In some cases, challengers can raise objections in court they did not raise during the original public-comment process -- when those concerns could have been addressed before a final decision.
How BAAJA would fix it: BAAJA would require most legal challenges to be filed within 150 days after a government agency approves a project. If there was an opportunity for public comment, challengers would also need to have raised their concerns there, allowing for concerns to be addressed before a lawsuit.
Why it matters: Raising concerns earlier provides an opportunity to resolve problems before projects are approved. And clearer deadlines for legal challenges would give companies greater certainty to invest in and build approved projects, while preserving the public's ability to challenge unlawful decisions in court.
The problem: When a court finds an error in a federal agency's environmental review, it can invalidate the project's permit, even if the agency could correct the mistake.
For example, an agency might not have adequately explained part of its environmental analysis. If a court vacates a project's authorization or orders construction to stop, workers can be idled and contracts and financing can be disrupted while the agency fixes the problem.
How BAAJA would fix it: When courts find certain violations of federal environmental review law, BAAJA generally directs courts to send the matter back to the agency for correction without automatically vacating the project's authorization. The agency would have up to 180 days to fix the problem, and the permit would remain in effect during that time, subject to limited exceptions.
Why it matters: Agencies would still be required to follow the law and correct their mistakes. But a correctable error would not, by itself, automatically undo a project authorization, helping avoid costly construction disruptions and delays in delivering needed infrastructure.
Permitting delays and uncertainty can drive up the cost of building infrastructure and postpone projects that could help make energy more affordable.
BAAJA would establish clearer rules and greater certainty throughout the permitting process while preserving environmental protections, public participation and judicial oversight. Following the Senate's procedural vote to advance the bill, Congress needs to finish the job and send BAAJA to President Trump's desk this year. Durable permitting reform is an opportunity to answer voters' demand for lower costs by making it easier to build the energy infrastructure Americans need.
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Original text here: https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/news/2026/11/13/why-infrastructure-projects-get-stuck
NSBA Urges Small Business Community to Share Opposition to SBA Size Standards Proposal
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Business] -- The National Small Business Association posted the following news:
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NSBA Urges Small Business Community to Share Opposition to SBA Size Standards Proposal
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Comments to the SBA on its proposed size standard changes are due Nov. 20, 2026.
In Sept. 2026, after urging the Administration to reconsider the short time frame of its announcement, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), once again urging the agency to reconsider its proposed changes to federal small business
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Business] -- The National Small Business Association posted the following news:
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NSBA Urges Small Business Community to Share Opposition to SBA Size Standards Proposal
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Comments to the SBA on its proposed size standard changes are due Nov. 20, 2026.
In Sept. 2026, after urging the Administration to reconsider the short time frame of its announcement, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) submitted formal comments to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), once again urging the agency to reconsider its proposed changes to federal small businesssize standards.
NSBA supports regularly updating size standards when the evidence supports doing so, including increases that allow growing small businesses to remain eligible for federal programs. However, NSBA has raised significant concerns with the scope and methodology of SBA's current proposal.
Under the proposed rule, SBA estimates that 114,541 additional firms would be classified as small businesses, including 37,002 firms that currently hold federal contracts worth more than $71 billion. That would significantly expand the pool of businesses eligible to compete for small-business contracting opportunities without increasing the statutory 23 percent small-business contracting goal.
NSBA also raised concerns about the proposal's decision to eliminate existing maximum size standards. The current baseline maximums are $47 million in average annual receipts and 1,500 employees, while the proposed framework would establish no maximum. Under the proposal, some size standards would reach $531 million in annual receipts, $1.011 billion in receipts, or $5.031 billion in assets, depending on the industry.
Another major concern is SBA's proposal to consolidate the current size-standard table from roughly 996 standards to 338 and eliminate all 18 existing federal contracting exceptions. NSBA argues that this consolidation could cause smaller, specialized businesses to be measured against significantly larger industries, producing dramatic increases in applicable size standards without corresponding changes in the businesses themselves. For example, ahead of comment submission, NSBA's analysis found proposed increases from $9 million to $651 million for Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers; from $9 million to $503 million for Bed-and-Breakfast Inns; and from $34 million to $531 million for Custom Computer Programming Services.
NSBA is also urging SBA to reconsider its proposed conversion of 173 industries and six subindustry exceptions from revenue-based standards to employee-based standards. Small business relying exclusively on headcount could disadvantage labor-intensive businesses, particularly in construction, where companies with identical revenue could receive different treatment depending on how much work they perform with their own employees versus subcontractors.
The comments further identify what NSBA describes as data discrepancies, gaps in the public record and procedural concerns, including inconsistencies in SBA's firm counts, the use of older underlying data, and the lack of machine-readable versions of the proposed tables. NSBA also requested clarification regarding SBA's departure from its 2024 methodology and the status of a separate proposed rule issued in August 2025.
"NSBA supports raising standards where the evidence supports it, and has supported such increases before," NSBA's comments read. "NSBA cannot support a rule that removes every ceiling, discards the revenue test in 173 industries and 6 subindustry exceptions, collapses two thirds of the table on a justification the statute does not contemplate, and rests on a record that does not reconcile with itself."
In summary, NSBA's comments request for SBA to:
* Reconsider the rule in its current form and extend the comment period by at least 60 days.
* Reinstate a ceiling on size standards.
* Subject any productivity adjustment to public notice and comment.
* Apply its methodology consistently when determining both increases and decreases.
* Provide industry-specific justification for consolidated size standards.
* Retain revenue-based standards where converting to employee-based standards could disadvantage labor-intensive businesses.
* Reconcile discrepancies in the data and provide corrected figures for public review.
* Explain its departure from the 2024 methodology.
* Clarify the status of the August 2025 proposed rule.
* Consider protections for the smallest businesses within newly enlarged size-standard groupings.
NSBA will continue advocating for size standards that preserve meaningful access to federal contracting opportunities for small businesses while allowing growing firms to compete and succeed.
Read the full comments here.
Submit your own comments, now by Nov. 20, 2026, here.
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Original text here: https://www.nsbaadvocate.org/post/nsba-urges-small-business-community-to-share-opposition-to-sba-size-standards-proposal
EAA Honor 2026 Halls of Fame Inductees on November 11
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Nov. 13 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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EAA honor 2026 Halls of Fame inductees on November 11
Six aviation notables recognized for contributions
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- (November 12, 2026) -- Six individuals who contributed greatly to recreational aviation were honored on November 11 as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
The 2026 inductees include:
* EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Mike Blyth of Johannesburg,
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OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Nov. 13 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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EAA honor 2026 Halls of Fame inductees on November 11
Six aviation notables recognized for contributions
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EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- (November 12, 2026) -- Six individuals who contributed greatly to recreational aviation were honored on November 11 as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
The 2026 inductees include:
* EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Mike Blyth of Johannesburg,South Africa
* Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Tom Brown of Hartford, Wisconsin
* EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Ronnie Smith of Lucedale, Mississippi
* Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Ron and Diane Fagen of Granite Falls, Minnesota
* International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Mike Goulian of Plymouth, Massachusetts
The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation. To date, more than 150 individuals have been honored since the first EAA Halls of Fame were created in the 1990s.
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About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/hall-of-fame-2026-follow-up
[Category: Aerospace]
Construction Input Costs Rise 13.3% From October 2025 to October 2026 as Price Increases Spread From Fuel & Metals to Other Goods & Deliveries
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Nov. 13 [Category: Construction] -- Associated General Contractors of America posted the following news release:
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Construction Input Costs Rise 13.3% From October 2025 to October 2026 as Price Increases Spread From Fuel & Metals to Other Goods & Deliveries
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Rising Materials Costs, Longer Delivery Times and Soft Demand Squeeze Contractors; Association Urges Action on Tariffs and Infrastructure Funding
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction jumped 13.3% from October 2025 to October 2026, the most in more than four years, according to
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Nov. 13 [Category: Construction] -- Associated General Contractors of America posted the following news release:
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Construction Input Costs Rise 13.3% From October 2025 to October 2026 as Price Increases Spread From Fuel & Metals to Other Goods & Deliveries
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Rising Materials Costs, Longer Delivery Times and Soft Demand Squeeze Contractors; Association Urges Action on Tariffs and Infrastructure Funding
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction jumped 13.3% from October 2025 to October 2026, the most in more than four years, according toan analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials warned that rising materials and freight costs, longer delivery times and soft demand for most types of construction projects are squeezing contractors, making it difficult for firms to pass along price increases to project owners.
"Construction firms are experiencing ever-greater impacts from tariff- and Middle East turmoil as prices accelerate for metals, fuel and freight," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "In addition, lead times for steel and insulation have lengthened, making it harder for contractors to keep projects on schedule."
To help contractors, owners, government officials and others understand what is happening to construction costs, lead times and labor available, the association has released a new edition of its Construction Inflation Alert.
The largest price increases affected petroleum products. The producer price index for diesel fuel, which reflects prices at the refinery or fuel terminal level, more than doubled over the past 12 months, rising 115.2% despite a decline of 4.6% from September. The index for liquid asphalt climbed 11.5% year-over-year. The index for truck transportation of freight rose 24.6%, an indication of the fuel surcharges contractors pay on thousands of deliveries.
Metals prices have shot up since tariffs of up to 50% were imposed in 2025. Prices jumped year-over-year by 32.9% for steel mill products, 23.3% for aluminum mill shapes and 23.9% for copper and brass mill shapes. Products that incorporate steel have also been affected: the index for precast concrete products, which have steel embedded in their shapes, increased 9.9% from a year earlier.
Construction firms are encountering lengthening lead times for structural steel, such as the beams and other steel shapes needed to erect building frames. Mineral wool insulation, used to protect interiors from fire, is also subject to longer delivery times.
Association officials urged public officials to address both the rising materials prices and soft demand for construction. Specifically, they urged the Trump administration to resolve trade disputes that have prompted many of the tariffs. And they urged Congress to restore full transportation funding for road and bridge projects before the current, partial extension expires on December 11. Association officials also urged public officials to avoid putting in place arbitrary limits on construction of important infrastructure projects, including technology infrastructure.
"Federal officials can help offset the pain of higher materials prices and the challenge of slower demand for many types of projects," said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. "Resolving trade disputes, restoring highway and transit funding and preventing limits on construction activity will help construction employers that are currently being squeezed by high prices and soft demand."
View the producer price index data. View the association's Construction Inflation Alert.
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Original text here: https://www.agc.org/news/2026/11/13/construction-input-costs-rise-133-october-2025-october-2026-price-increases-spread-fuel-metals-other
CFA Applauds Introduction of RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The Consumer Federation of America posted the following news release:
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CFA Applauds Introduction of RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15)
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) supported the introduction of the RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin, an amendment to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act. This Act will re-establish a fair and clear process for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve energy prices.
"Voters sent a clear message that energy affordability is an
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The Consumer Federation of America posted the following news release:
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CFA Applauds Introduction of RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15)
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) supported the introduction of the RATES Act by Representative Kevin Mullin, an amendment to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act. This Act will re-establish a fair and clear process for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve energy prices.
"Voters sent a clear message that energy affordability is animportant issue for consumers, and the RATES Act supports an effective approach to lowering costs," said Karim D. Marshall, CFA's Director of Climate and Energy Policy. "This Act will protect consumers by letting jurisdictions expand the power grid while providing affordable and reliable electricity using a commonsense approach."
The RATES Act supports a practical and effective power regulatory system. The Act will promote collaboration between regulators and utilities by letting regulators suggest specific, targeted modifications to energy proposals. It also provides energy providers with a defined process. Which creates a clear path for energy utilities and generators to respond to the proposal modifications requested by FERC. This legislation advances FERC's mission of ensuring "reliable, safe, secure, and economically efficient energy services at a reasonable cost" for consumers. The RATES Act encourages greater consumer protection by giving FERC the authority to help develop proposals that are "just and reasonable."
CFA enthusiastically supports this amendment to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and encourages the House to speedily pass this legislation. Jurisdictions should have the best possible options to expand power supply while ensuring electricity remains dependable and affordable for consumers. The RATES Act will streamline the energy proposal review process and provide more protection to consumers from energy rate hikes.
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Original text here: https://consumerfed.org/news/press-releases/cfa-applauds-introduction-of-rates-act-by-representative-kevin-mullin-ca-15/
CCIA Report Highlights Expanding State Privacy Regulation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Computer Technology] (TNSrpt) -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Report Highlights Expanding State Privacy Regulation
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Washington - The Computer & Communications Industry Association today released its 2026 State Privacy Landscape Report. This year, four states enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws, while others expanded on existing requirements. The report highlights how the new laws are creating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape for businesses operating across state lines.
The
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 [Category: Computer Technology] (TNSrpt) -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association issued the following news release:
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CCIA Report Highlights Expanding State Privacy Regulation
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Washington - The Computer & Communications Industry Association today released its 2026 State Privacy Landscape Report. This year, four states enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws, while others expanded on existing requirements. The report highlights how the new laws are creating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape for businesses operating across state lines.
Thereport shows Oklahoma, Alabama, Louisiana, and Vermont enacted comprehensive privacy laws in 2026. Twenty-three states now have comprehensive privacy laws. Lawmakers also amended existing privacy frameworks in states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Hampshire, adding new requirements related to data brokers, sensitive information, consumer protections, and third-party sharing.
States considered legislation targeting specific technologies and data practices, including artificial intelligence, children's privacy, age verification, precise geolocation, data brokers, and automated decision-making. California remained the nation's most active state privacy jurisdiction, continuing to implement new regulations and expand its oversight of consumer data practices.
While these proposals are intended to strengthen consumer privacy protections, CCIA's report cautions that differences in state requirements are creating a growing patchwork of regulations. Varying definitions, exemptions, consent requirements, and compliance obligations can increase costs for businesses operating nationwide and create uncertainty for companies developing and deploying new technologies.
The report notes the need for a consistent national framework that protects consumers while avoiding unnecessary regulatory fragmentation. The report anticipates continued state activity as newly enacted laws take effect, existing privacy frameworks undergo further revisions, and lawmakers address the intersection of privacy and artificial intelligence.
The following statement can be attributed to Megan Stokes, State Policy Director for CCIA:
"States are developing privacy regulation and creating a growing landscape of requirements for businesses operating across the country. While protecting consumer privacy is important, inconsistent and overlapping state laws can increase compliance costs, create uncertainty, and make it harder for businesses to innovate. A consistent national framework can provide meaningful consumer protections while giving businesses the clarity they need to operate and compete."
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REPORT: https://ccianet.org/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2026/11/2026-State-Landscape_Privacy.pdf
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Original text here: https://ccianet.org/news/2026/11/ccia-report-highlights-expanding-state-privacy-regulation/ (TNSmrp)
Attendees Will Shine at Dealer Week 2026 Industry Celebration
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Nov. 13 [Category: Business] -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Attendees Will Shine at Dealer Week 2026 Industry Celebration
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GLOW-Themed Gathering, Powered by KICKER Marine Audio, Celebrates Dealers and Recreational Boating Community
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 13, 2026) -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has announced GLOW as its theme for the Dealer Week 2026 Industry Celebration.
Held from 7 to 10 p.m. ET at Splitsville Tiki + Social in Tampa, GLOW will giveconference attendees an opportunity to
... Show Full Article
BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, Nov. 13 [Category: Business] -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas issued the following news:
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Attendees Will Shine at Dealer Week 2026 Industry Celebration
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GLOW-Themed Gathering, Powered by KICKER Marine Audio, Celebrates Dealers and Recreational Boating Community
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 13, 2026) -- The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has announced GLOW as its theme for the Dealer Week 2026 Industry Celebration.
Held from 7 to 10 p.m. ET at Splitsville Tiki + Social in Tampa, GLOW will giveconference attendees an opportunity tostep away from the educational and business programming and gather with their boating peers and partners. KICKER Marine Audio returns as an ongoing sponsor.
"Every year Dealer Week changes because there are new trends to discuss and new education topics to cover," said Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations. "Beyond that though, attendees tell us the overall experience feels unique because there is always a different vibe for our annual Industry Celebration. In 2026, I'm excited to experience the GLOW theme that Kicker Marine Audio and our team have created together, which I think will be visually amazing and a great chance for dealers and their partners to cap off the year in style."
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Original text here: https://mraa.com/dealer-week-2026-industry-celebration-glow/
