The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is proud to highlight recent successes in regulatory reform, achieved through strategic alignment with the new administration’s commitment to cutting red tape for small businesses. With the administration’s pledge to cut ten regulations for every new one adopted, impose a temporary freeze on all rulemaking, and task the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy with spearheading regulatory reform, ABMA has played a direct role in advancing industry-friendly policies.

ABMA’s most recent regulatory successes include:

• Blocking immediate enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) – The Treasury Department has announced that it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under existing regulatory deadlines. Furthermore, a proposed rulemaking will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. This victory eliminates unnecessary compliance burdens for small businesses and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to fostering a pro-business environment. The repeal of penalties associated with the CTA represents a major win, ensuring that small businesses are not subjected to unnecessary compliance costs. ABMA will continue working with its national coalition to ensure that future regulatory changes remain aligned with industry needs.
• Challenging the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations – These regulations, designed without input from the industries they affect most, are already causing disruptions in ABMA member states like New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey. More states, including Rhode Island, and Maryland, are set to implement them in 2027, with others considering adoption. This emerging issue could quickly become devastating, especially considering that electric versions of many specialized vehicles, such as boom trucks, do not yet exist. While ABMA appreciates that this rule is not industry-specific, its real-world application is significantly impacting our members.

ABMA members have reported that in states where the rule has gone into effect, they have been unable to order new diesel trucks since January 1 of this year, setting up a potential crisis in the near future. Recognizing this threat, the EPA has moved to revoke California’s emissions waiver, which would effectively end the ACT mandate in all states that have adopted it, as those states rely on California’s special authorization to enforce these regulations. ABMA has taken an active role in this effort, meeting with Administrator Lee Zeldin’s senior advisor and formally submitting a letter to Zeldin outlining the unfolding crisis and the urgent need for relief. This action would prevent further economic strain on businesses and ensure that LBM dealers can continue to meet industry demands without being restricted by an unworkable regulatory framework.

While these victories mark significant progress, ABMA remains focused on securing additional regulatory reforms. Ongoing priorities include:

• Pushing back against the OSHA Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard – This proposed regulation would impose excessive burdens on small and mid-sized businesses despite a lack of demonstrated need within the LBM sector. ABMA’s official testimony has been reviewed and published by OSHA, reinforcing the industry’s concerns. Additionally, ABMA Chair Rod Wiles is committed to testifying in person at the upcoming OSHA hearing to advocate on behalf of the LBM industry and ensure that regulatory decisions reflect real-world industry needs.
• Advocating for industry-specific workforce training reforms – The LBM industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified CDL drivers and crane operators, yet current federal training requirements remain misaligned with industry needs. ABMA is working with policymakers to reform training mandates, advocating for industry-specific, on-the-job training programs that provide a more efficient and accessible pathway into these essential careers. By pushing for amendments to the one-size-fits-all federal training model, ABMA seeks to lower costs, reduce barriers to entry, and create employer-based training pathways that allow workers to advance in their careers and secure higher-paying jobs.

As the administration implements its bold regulatory reform agenda, ABMA stands ready to work alongside federal agencies and lawmakers to ensure that the LBM industry’s needs remain a priority. ABMA remains committed to fostering a business environment that enables growth, innovation, and workforce development without unnecessary regulatory burdens.

On the Hill: Schumer Backs Continuing Resolution to Prevent Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed support for the Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown, a move that caught many political analysts by surprise. Schumer emphasized that keeping the government operational is paramount and that he does not want to give former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk the power to decide which government functions remain open.

Despite Schumer’s backing, securing the 60 votes needed in the Senate remains uncertain. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has also publicly committed to voting in favor, bringing the Republican vote count to 55. This leaves the GOP needing support from five more Democratic or Independent senators to break the filibuster.

Senate Democrats remain opposed to the CR’s proposed cuts to non-defense spending, and negotiations are expected to continue up to the Friday deadline at 11:59 p.m. The vote is scheduled for this afternoon (Friday, March 14).

Meanwhile, the House passed the CR on Tuesday, sending the matter to the Senate, where it must overcome the 60-vote threshold to prevent a government shutdown.

Labor Secretary Confirmed

Lori Chavez-Deremer was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor on Tuesday with a 67-32 vote. Republican Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Ted Budd (R-NC) opposed the nomination, citing concerns over her close ties to organized labor.

With Chavez-Deremer now in place, ABMA will actively engage with the Labor Department to discuss workforce development initiatives. Our focus remains on advancing training programs that help recruit talent and develop the skills necessary for career growth within the industry.