A new government task force is charged with improving broadband data and mapping tools. In her first meeting as Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday, Jessica Rosenworcel said the new broadband data task force will be an agencywide effort to collect detailed data and develop more precise maps about high-speed internet availability. “It’s no secret that the FCC’s existing broadband maps leave a lot to be desired. We can do better, and we will,” Rosenworcel said during the FCC's open meeting. Expanded broadband capabilities is a major concern for rural leaders in Congress utilizing agriculture and infrastructure bills to expand the network.
Category: Legislative Updates
As the Biden Administration assesses the world markets and gets their international team, agriculture continues to look at China to support exports. The Department of Agriculture expects U.S. farm exports to hit a record $157 billion for fiscal 2021, an increase of $21 billion over the year before, as the global economy recovers and China increases its already strong demand for U.S. corn, soybeans and meat.
The Biden Administration and Congress are also evaluating trade tariffs and their impact the construction industry. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) are calling on the Administration to remove tariffs on key building materials.
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U.S. President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency told lawmakers on Wednesday he will consult with states and other stakeholders as the agency determines how to deliver on the administration’s plans to tackle climate change and clean up pollution hotspots.
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Safety and infrastructure investment – along with ways to stabilize the Highway Trust Fund – were key points Buttigieg emphasized during his confirmation hearing before the Senate commerce committee on January 21.
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Earlier this week, the Federal Register placed on public inspection USDA’s final rule for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which enables agricultural producers and private landowners to protect farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands with conservation easements. The rule, which will publish on February 4, updates ACEP as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and incorporates public comments made on an interim rule.
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Late last year LICA reached out to give its members a chance to briefly share their thoughts on the economy and some general policy issues. It was a small sample survey but shows that nearly 75% of the respondents had a good business year and have a positive market outlook for 2021. A majority are looking for increased investment in infrastructure and more state/local technical assistance from USDA while raising significant concerns that farmers are experiencing delays in getting assistance for conservation programs. Increased regulations – specifically around climate change policies – is overwhelmingly viewed as a threat to business. Overall, a positive outlook despite the hangover from many of the challenges industry faced in 2020.
The U.S. transportation construction market is expected to shrink 5.5 percent next year, driven primarily by the severe economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to the annual forecast released by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Overall, the value of work is expected to drop from $294.2 billion in 2020 to $278.1 billion in 2021. The expected market contraction follows a record year for most transportation sectors in 2020. While Pennsylvania and Washington state temporarily shut down projects in the spring, the rest of the country classified transportation construction as an essential industry.
The farm economy outlook is improving thanks to trade, COVID-19 relief, and a market rally. Michael Clements, economist with the American Farm Bureau, states the new year is bringing some optimism for the farm economy due to multiple factors: recently released data form the U.S. Census Bureau show that preliminary exports to China during November are nearly $5 billion, putting the total exports to a historic record.
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