Legislative Issues

NEW Use of Crane in the Construction Industry
Effective November 8, 2010, the NC OSHA will have adopted the Federal OSHA regulations regarding the use of crances in the construction industry.  For the new regulations, click here.
Until November 8, 2010, companies are required to comply with all the provisions of NC specific crane rules listed here.

August 2010 NRCA 10 @ 10... click here to read information

Health Care Reform Timeline... click here to read

NRCA release photovoltaic guidelines... click here to read full Press Release

NRCA's roofing manual and construction details CDs are available... click here to read full Press Release

NRCA Completes latest roofing manual... click here to read full Press Release

South Carolina Mechanic Lien Code
view the changes here!

LEED Training and How to Obtain LEED AP Certification
General Information
LEED AP information
Local USGBC Chapter information and classes

NEW Bill S 803... amendements to the lien law proposed by Senator Rand
click here for more information

SC Department LLR - Potential Increase of Licensing Fees
Click here for full article

NRCA INFO, WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2010:

Self-repairing solar cells mimic plant-based process
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed microscopic solar cells that mimic the way plant cells create energy from sunlight. These solar cells are longer lasting and more efficient than static photovoltaic cells and are able to repair themselves, just like plant cells do, when they are damaged by extended exposure to the sun. BBC (9/5) International Business Times

U.K. company makes solar panels look like roof slate
A solar panel company in the United Kingdom, Heritage Solar Slate, has come up with photovoltaic solar panels that look very similar to regular roofing slate. The low-maintenance, weatherproof solar panels can be easily installed by regular roofing contractors, and are being touted as a good option for owners of historic buildings who want to reduce energy consumption without compromising their buildings' traditional appearance. Inhabitat

Builders restart projects as banks unload distressed assets
Construction is resuming on some housing projects in the U.S. that collapsed during the recession, as builders buy lots from lenders for less than half of their original cost. Mothballed developments are being restarted in suburban Washington, D.C., and in select markets in California, Florida, Utah and Las Vegas, said Brad Hunter, chief economist for housing-research firm Metrostudy. Bloomberg

Asphalt and metal roofs go head to head
Which serves better as a roof material, asphalt or metal? This article lays out the advantages and disadvantages of both materials. Asphalt shingles are widely accepted, cost-effective and easy to handle, for example, but metal is lighter-weight and longer-lasting. Builder Online

Utah county's public-works building aims for LEED platinum
A new $4 million public-works building in Utah's Salt Lake County uses building materials recycled from an old railroad bridge and features 100 rooftop solar panels that will meet 20% of the building's energy needs. The shallow V-shaped roof protects windows from the summer sun but lets in light during colder months, saving additional energy. The county hopes to earn the state's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum designation for a publicly funded facility. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)

Tornado-damaged expo center in Montana to get new roof
The roofs of several buildings extensively damaged during a June tornado at the Metra Park event facility in Billings, Mont., must be replaced, according to a new report received by Yellowstone County commissioners. Insurance is likely to cover the cost of repairs, which include putting a new roof on the Expo Center, the county finance director said. Big Sky Business Journal (Billings, Mont.)

Students want Carter-era solar panel back in White House
A solar panel that was on top of the White House during the Carter administration is on its way back to Washington, thanks to a group of students from Unity College in Maine. Unity had acquired and recycled the panels for its own use after the Reagan administration took them down. Now some students are taking one of those panels to President Barack Obama's White House in hopes of convincing him to re-install a solar panel system as a symbol of his support for renewable energy. The Boston Globe (9/7) WABI-TV (Bangor, Maine)

Construction recession over but recovery has yet to begin
Construction jobs have been in a holding pattern since March, according to Reed Construction Data economist Jim Haughey. The construction recession may be over, but the recovery has not yet begun. Private employers hired 67,000 workers in August; contractors hired 19,000 workers. Reed/ACP Construction Data

Obama announces $50 billion infrastructure plan
President Barack Obama said during a Labor Day rally that he will ask Congress to approve a $50 billion program to rebuild the transportation system, create jobs and reduce unemployment. The plan calls for constructing or improving 150,000 miles of roads, 4,000 miles of rail lines and 150 miles of airport runway during a six-year period. The proposal is one of a series of job-creation initiatives the White House plans to announce as the November midterm election approaches. USA TODAY (9/7) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/6) Reuters

Entrepreneurs still fuzzy on health-care reform details
Most small-business owners remain unclear on upcoming requirements under the new health-care reform bill. Depending on who does the estimate, businesses that provide health insurance to their employees could see cost increases from 6% to as much as 40%. This article outlines key compliance dates for small-business owners and provides links to resources where they can seek more information on what the law means for them. The Kansas City Star (Mo.) 

NRCA and Clean Power Finance will offer webinar
NRCA and Clean Power Finance will partner to offer a free webinar Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon to address entering and succeeding in the solar market. The webinar, "NRCA & Clean Power Finance: Partnering for success in solar," will take an in-depth look at topics such as solar sales and marketing strategies; presenting the benefits of solar to a customer; and educating a customer with a simple financial, energy and environmental analysis. Learn more.

Join NRCA now
Join NRCA by Sept. 30 and receive membership benefits for the rest of 2010 free; your membership will be valid through 2011. With the limited-time offer, you will receive 16 months of membership for the price of 12 at the 2010 dues rate, as well as up to $1,500 worth of NRCA publications and DVDs free, including The NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing, Condensation Control and Reroofing-2010. When you join NRCA, your company will be listed in NRCA's online Membership Directory and online referral service, which generates thousands of leads each month; receive customized worker training programs tailored to your company's specific needs; and receive priority access to NRCA's technical experts for answers to questions about roof system performance, materials and application techniques, among other benefits. Learn more, or join NRCA.