The letter was sent to Committee leadership including Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Subcommittee on Energy leadership including Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Ranking Member Kathy Castor (D-FL).

The letter may be found here and reads in part:

“DPAct commends the Committee’s leadership in prioritizing the advancement of the Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026. H.R. 9338 provides an efficient, effective framework to improve our industry’s safety while ensuring the integrity and resilience of underground utility infrastructure across America.”

As the national association advocating for public policies that prevent damage to buried utilities, DPAct notes the legislation is an important opportunity to strengthen America’s underground infrastructure safety and damage prevention framework, and should reflect the bipartisan consensus already achieved with the Senate bill.

Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, Executive Director of DPAct, issued the following statement:

“We applaud the House Energy & Commerce Committee for taking up this important legislation and for its continued focus on buried infrastructure safety and damage prevention. H.R. 9338 is an opportunity to make meaningful progress, and we urge members to pass the bill. By building on the bipartisan consensus that passed S. 2975, Congress can deliver a stronger, more workable bill that helps prevent dig-ins, protects critical infrastructure, and keeps American communities safe.”

DPAct’s letter highlights key pieces of H.R. 9338 that will reduce the incidences of damage to buried utilities in the U.S., including:

• Removing municipal and special-interest exemptions to 811 participation to ensure safety and damage prevention rules are applied consistently.
• Ensuring that newly installed facilities are locatable and encourage the use of GIS to make the 811 process more efficient and effective.
• Adopting stronger state accountability standards so federal grant eligibility depends not just on having laws on the books, but on active enforcement, reporting and meaningful compliance.

Background:

Buried utility lines are damaged nearly 200,000 times each year in the United States — about once every three minutes — causing service outages, injuries and fatalities and costing the U.S. more than $30 billion annually. DPAct urges Congress to enact a strong, bipartisan pipeline safety and damage prevention bill that reflects the best elements of both chambers’ work and delivers practical protections for excavators, utilities, pipeline operators and the communities they serve.

About DPAct:

The Damage Prevention Action Center advocates for public policies and industry practices that protect our Nation’s critical underground utility infrastructure and those who work and live near these important assets. DPAct focuses on educating policymakers at the federal, state and local levels on the importance of updating and enacting laws and regulations to meet the needs of today by implementing effective damage prevention policies, as well as understanding the significant economic, environmental, safety and social impacts of dig-ins on communities.

The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation scholarship recipients for 2026 are:

Jonathan Ben-Senior – Chattahoochee High School

Carley Choates – North Forsyth High School

Luke Danuser -Dawson County High School

Akshaj Dewan – Innovation Academy

Isabella Gerborg – Forsyth Central High School

Adam Godlewski – Forsyth Central High School

Sophia Joyce – West Forsyth High School

Matea Jurca – Denmark High School

Brad Lin – South Forsyth High School

Kara Moffitt – North Forsyth High School

Delsin Rodriguez – North Forsyth High School

Riya Shah – Lambert High School

Cullen Sheffield – West Forsyth High School

Akhilesh Soni – Chattahoochee High School

Spencer Tan – South Forsyth High School

Likhitka Vutukuri – North Forsyth High School

Chase Wendel – Chestatee High School

Joshua Winters – East Forsyth High School

To date, and including this year’s recipients, the Foundation has now awarded $1,452,500 in scholarships to 332 exceptional high schools seniors within Sawnee EMC’s seven-county service area over the last 21 years.

“Supporting those in need in our communities and helping these outstanding students continue their education is a key part of meeting the Foundation’s core mission,” states Mr. Henry Zuckerman, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board. “We look forward to seeing the exciting things this year’s recipients will accomplish after high school and wish them much success in the future,” he further added.

Questions about this program or the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation can be found online or directed to Mandy Love, Associate Vice President, Member Services for Sawnee EMC at 678-455-1579 or via email.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Foundation

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,000 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. The Sawnee Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities. The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations. Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members/owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The installation includes a 1.243 MW carport solar array paired with a 1.043 MW / 2.087 MWh Tesla battery system and is expected to generate more than 2,000 MWh of clean electricity annually. This will offset approximately 55% of the County Jail’s annual energy use and reduce carbon emissions by around 1,000 metric tons per year.  

The project is the result of a long-term partnership between the County of Monterey and Mynt Systems, Inc., a Santa Cruz–based renewable energy development, engineering, and construction company. Mynt Systems partnered with Sunrock Distributed Generation to co-develop the system and provide financing through a PPA. 

“The completion of this renewable energy project is a major achievement for the County of Monterey to lead the transition to a more sustainable future. Thanks to the Power Purchase Agreement, the Sheriff’s Office is expected to save over $12 million without spending funds on capital costs,” says Cora Panturad, Sustainability Program Manager for the County of Monterey. 

The installation received Permission to Operate in December 2025 following a multi-year development process that navigated major shifts in federal energy policy, including changes to investment tax credit eligibility, domestic content requirements, and foreign entity of concern rules, as well as rapidly evolving building codes and safety standards for battery energy storage systems. 

In January 2025, a fire involving nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries at the nearby Moss Landing energy storage facility heightened industry and public scrutiny of battery safety. In response, the system at the County Jail was designed using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which is widely recognized for its lower risk of thermal runaway compared to other battery types. Project partners worked closely with the County of Monterey’s Health and Safety Division and Emergency Preparedness teams to ensure a conservative, safety-first approach appropriate for a correctional facility. 

“Bringing this project online shows what’s possible when strong public partners work with experienced developers and long-term capital,” says Rob Hymes, Chief Development Officer at Mynt Systems. “This system was designed with safety at its core and is projected to deliver millions of dollars in savings that can be reinvested into sustainability and community resilience.” 

“The successful completion of this project demonstrates how disciplined project finance can deliver sustainable infrastructure certainty even amid major policy change,” says Wilson Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunrock Distributed Generation. “We are proud to have worked with the Mynt team and our partners to co-develop and build a bankable solar-plus-storage asset that provides the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office with energy savings, predictable costs, enhanced resilience, and a safety-first storage solution.”  

About Mynt Systems Inc.  

Mynt Systems provides optimized solutions for generating, storing, and managing clean energy for industrial and institutional customers. The company prioritizes transparency, disciplined execution, and client-aligned outcomes throughout development and implementation. Mynt is redefining how onsite generation and energy storage are designed and delivered for mid-market Commercial-Industrial. For more information, visit www.myntsystems.com.  

About Sunrock Distributed Generation  

Sunrock Distributed Generation (SDG) is a leading financing platform for commercial solar and energy storage, expanding access to clean energy for projects historically underserved by traditional capital markets. SDG delivers standardized, technology-enabled financing solutions that accelerate deployment of cost-effective, resilient energy infrastructure. For more information, visit www.sunrockdg.com. 

“A tiny fraction of voters participate in special elections that often decide critical issues and carry extraordinary weight… even potentially control of a legislative chamber,” said iVoterGuide President Debbie Wuthnow. “Often, voters simply lack the time needed to research candidates and determine who would best represent their values. That’s why iVoterGuide’s research team is committed to providing clear, reliable information on thousands of candidates nationwide — empowering Americans who care about their community, family and faith to confidently use their voice.”

WHO: iVoterGuide.com

WHAT:    Helpful voter guide to equip Georgia voters to make informed voting decisions in the upcoming Georgia special general election for U.S. Representative, District 14; State Senate, District 53; and State House, District 130.

WHERE:  View iVoterGuide’s Georgia special general election guide here.

WHEN:  Tuesday, March 2, 2026

WHY: iVoterGuide.com offers election dates, links to voter registration sites, polling locations and other information needed to help Americans vote wisely and identify candidates on the ballot who share their values. Related tools are also available to help family, neighbors and business associates vote wisely. iVoterGuide.com is helping to restore the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and traditional American values.

HOW: Providing the most comprehensive, educational information on races across the country, iVoterGuide.com has researched thousands of candidates and educated millions of voters through personalized voting information and candidate evaluations. iVoterGuide is preparing their most extensive election coverage ever for 2026 — researching more than 15,000 candidates across 5,400 races.

For those unsure of which candidates have earned their vote, iVoterGuide.com, a division of AFA Action, provides accurate, up-to-date information on thousands of candidates. iVoterGuide.com’s research and ratings can be extremely valuable in helping voters determine the distinctions between candidates.

iVoterGuide.com is dedicated to equipping Americans to be informed, educated voters and is a one-stop resource for candidate ratings and election information. iVoterGuide.com is known for its accuracy and integrity in researching and evaluating candidates and equipping Christians to vote wisely and be good stewards of their citizenship.

For more information on iVoterGuide.com, visit iVoterGuide.com or follow iVoterGuide.com on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

The Department of Energy announced it will give a $26.5 billion loan to Southern Company to build the largest, most expensive gas fleet in the nation.

The loan will pay for Southern Company’s subsidiary, Georgia Power, plans to build a massive amount of new gas-burning infrastructure, including new combined cycle turbines at Plant Bowen near Cartersville; Plant Wansley near Carrollton; and Plant McIntosh near Rincon. Georgia Power ratepayers are projected to pay for these new turbines for the next 45 years.

In response, Sierra Club’s Campaign Organizing Strategist Michael Hawthorne released the following statement:

“Georgia Power is building the most expensive gas fleet in the nation in order to serve data centers, not for everyday Georgians. Spending our tax dollars to prop up a fading industry is a terrible investment. In the short term, Georgians will get expensive electricity and more air pollution, and long-term, these projects will damage our communities and our health. Instead of this corporate welfare handout to Big Tech companies, the Trump Administration should invest in lower cost, lower risk clean energy projects that serve the entire state.”

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.

 Build More New York (BMNY), an advocacy group comprising more than 50 business and civic organizations dedicated to supporting jobs, construction and development across New York, today announced that the regional chambers of commerce of Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties have joined the coalition. Underscoring BMNY’s commitment to the economic wellbeing of the state, the three chambers support the group’s goal to reform the antiquated, only-in-New York Scaffold Law, which leads to skyrocketing construction costs and stalled development while doing nothing to improve worker safety. 

“New York State has not been competitive for business in decades, and that reality has impacted everything from private investment to housing affordability,” said Frank M. Castella, Jr., President & CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting the federal preemption provisions in H.R. 3548 and joining the Building More New York coalition is a step in the right direction toward making New York a more attractive place to do business. Reforming the Scaffold Law through this legislation will not only help lower the cost of doing business, but it will also help reduce construction costs that drive up the price of housing and the overall cost of living for our residents.”

“New York’s liability statute dealing with injuries on construction sites doesn’t protect workers and dramatically increases the cost of affordable housing, infrastructure and other construction in our state, ” said Ward Todd, CEO of the Ulster Chamber of Commerce. “New York is the only state in the Union with a law like this. This law increases costs for local governments, school districts, and private sector construction. It is yet another reason why our state is less affordable.  The Building Trades Employers Association of union contractors in New York City has reported that the law increases insurance costs by 3 to 5 times those in other states. The law has also inspired a rash of staged construction accident fraud, similar to that we’re seeing with staged auto accident fraud. Federal preemption of this state law on federally funded projects is a common sense solution and hopefully will spur Albany to finally repeal this antiquated law.”

“New York’s outdated Scaffold Law makes our state less competitive and more expensive, driving up the cost of housing, infrastructure, and private construction while burdening local governments, school districts, and businesses,” said Heather Bell, Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “As the only state with this law, New York faces insurance costs reported to be three to five times higher than elsewhere, along with rising construction fraud. Supporting the federal preemption provisions in H.R. 3548 is a practical step toward reform, lowering costs, and making New York more affordable and competitive.” 

New York is the only state in the nation that imposes an absolute liability standard on property owners and employers for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. Known as the Scaffold Law, this statute dating back to 1885 holds contractors fully liable for such injuries regardless of fault. In contrast, all 49 other states apply a comparative liability standard that allocates responsibility proportionally. This legal anomaly creates an expensive and unpredictable risk environment unique to New York, raising total construction costs on projects by up to 10 percent. The Infrastructure Expansion Act, introduced by Representative Langworthy as H.R. 3548, offers a targeted solution by ensuring that projects in New York use the same liability standard as in every other state. BMNY urges legislators to federally preempt Scaffold Law and end the blight on New York’s already challenging development environment. 

The federal government will provide nearly $80 billion in funding for capital projects in New York State over the next five years, including several prominent projects in Duchess, Ulster and Orange Counties. In Dutchess County, the town of Poughkeepsie recently received $10.5 million in federal funding for a crucial rehabilitation of the historic stone bridge over Fallkill Creek at Washington street. In 2023, Ulster County received $21.7 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program to support its waterfront revitalization program known as the Kingston Weaving the Waterfront Transportation Project. Orange County received $17.8 million in federal funding to construct a new bridge to replace the existing, structurally deficient, and flood-prone structure at NY 17A over Long House Creek. Additionally, the $7 billion redevelopment of the Penn Station commuter hub could save between $280 million and $560 million under a more modern liability framework according to the Building Trades Employers’ Association. These valuable projects are made far more expensive due to New York’s Scaffold Law, and taxpayers are wasting precious infrastructure funding on unnecessary insurance costs. 

The Scaffold Law affects every category of construction statewide but its impact on housing is especially damaging. High insurance costs reduce project feasibility, shrink the number of units that can be built and push housing prices higher. The Scaffold Law deters job creation, stalls progress, and discourages investment. Reform would free up public funds and accelerate project delivery, including for affordable housing. 

Additionally, the law has led to an epidemic of staged accident fraud perpetrated by unscrupulous lawyers and medical professionals, documented by investigative reporters at ABC News. Chubb data from a 2022 report indicates that bodily injury general liability claims greater than $250,000 in value occur in New York more than 30 times more frequently than in other states from 2012 to 2019. This high frequency drives up costs while creating ample opportunities for bad actors to exploit the system.

Reforming the Scaffold Law will support a more efficient and cost-effective construction system in New York. Representative Langworthy’s Infrastructure Expansion Act will create a more sensible liability standard in New York and Build More New York urges representatives to support this bill and champion economic development in the state. Enactment of preemption on federally funded projects may finally force Albany to repeal the scaffold law for all construction activity within the state.

SB 499 and HB 1324 would remove firearm suppressors from the list of dangerous weapons and eliminate state-level penalties for possession, while keeping suppressors subject to strict federal regulation under the National Firearms Act and leaving enhanced criminal penalties for unlawful use unchanged.

NRA-ILA will continue to monitor this legislation and keep Georgia gun owners informed of further developments affecting their Second Amendment rights.

“My focus across all leadership positions is unity and delivering a bold vision and progress towards a stronger, more inclusive future for members and our community,” said Gomez. “I never lose sight of those who organized the Laborers’ International Union of North America in 1903 for us all to have a better life. I will forever be in debt to our Union, especially the strong Local 110 Executive Board and thousands of Local 110 members whose support inspires me.”

In addition to his LiUNA union roles, Gomez is also deeply involved in the Greater St. Louis and regional Missouri construction industry leadership by serving as: 

• Executive Vice President of theLabor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) St. Louis Chapter
• Vice Chair of the Hispanic Chamber Foundation
• Trustee of theConstruction Laborers’ & Contractors Training Fund of Eastern Missouri
• Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Laborers’ Pension Fund 
• Assistant Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Laborers’ Health and Welfare Fund
• United Way of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors

He was awarded the Outstanding Labor Activist Award by the NAACP ST. Louis County and is the 2023 recipient of the Premio Esperanza (Hope) Award from the St. Louis Hispanic Leaders Group of which he is also a current member. Gomez’s newest appointment reinforces the region’s commitment to inclusive leadership and the representation of a diverse workforce. Under Gomez’ leadership since 2024, Laborers’ Local 110 which represents more than 3,900 active and retired members, has grown the membership by over 250 workers and has donated well over half a million dollars to local causes. 

Born in Los Angeles to parents from the Mexican states of Michoacán and Jalisco, Gomez moved to St. Louis in 1998. He joined Laborers’ Local 110 in 2006, working in the field for several years in concrete construction. Gomez credits this period with fundamentally changing his economic trajectory and fueling his passion for the labor movement.

ABOUT LABORERS’ LOCAL 110
Formed in 1933, today LiUNA Laborers’ Local 110 serves approximately 3,900 members actively working in construction in St. Louis County, Jefferson County and Washington County. Members are united through collective bargaining agreements that help this skilled and experienced workforce earn family-supporting pay, good benefits, the opportunity for advancement and better lives. Local 110 is also committed to supporting the broader community annually through over 1,000 hours of volunteer man hours, over $350,000 of financial donations and hosting events that support organizations such as ​​the St. Louis County Police Welfare Association and Focus Marines.

LiUNA Laborers’ Local 110 is an affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers, covering parts of St. Louis City & County, as well as Jefferson and Washington Counties in the state of Missouri. For more information about LiUNA Laborers’ Local 110, visit https://www.lu110.com.

Overlook is designed to infuse human energy throughout Cumming City Center’s existing mixed-use environment. Spanning 95 acres, Cumming City Center prioritizes an authentic, Main Street Americana feel, featuring shops, restaurants, greenspace, walking trails, an amphitheater for events and a new municipal building. 

The TDC team, led by veteran real estate developer Mark Toro, has a proven track record of delivering exceptional communities, including Edge OTB, Anthem on Ashley and BOHO4W (now Camden Fourth Ward) and Avalon.

“Our mixed-use and multifamily experience consistently proves that feet on the street drives the success of other uses,” said John Kelley, TDC’s Chief Development Officer. “Overlook will harness the existing energy at Cumming City Center, while also powering the continued momentum of the overall mixed-use community.”

Overlook will feature a thoughtfully curated amenity package designed to support daily living and social connection. Amenities will include a resort-style pool, fitness center, courtyard and social courtyard spaces, a sky lounge, micro-offices and a dog park. The first units are expected to deliver in fall 2027. 

The loan for Overlook was provided by Pinnacle Financial Partners. EBSCO Real Estate, based in Birmingham, AL, is the sole equity partner on this development. 

Cumming continues to experience significant growth, driven by its blend of suburban convenience, top-performing schools and access to Lake Lanier. The city’s population has increased by 38% in the past five years, with the ongoing expansion of GA-400 expected to further strengthen connectivity to the greater Atlanta region. 

TDC is also currently underway on Medley, a $560 million, 43-acre mixed-use community in Johns Creek. Medley, which opens on October 29, features 164,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, 110,000 square feet of office, a 150-key hotel, 883 luxury residences across apartments and townhomes and a 25,000-square-foot plaza.

To learn more about Toro Development Company, visit www.torodevco.com.

About Toro Development Company:

Toro Development Company (TDC) acquires underperforming assets and transforms them into vibrant mixed-use environments that achieve coveted “third place” status – inspired places where people come to feel connected and engaged, something the world needs now more than ever. Third places also produce a quantifiable value premium on rents and valuations; TDC calls this The Third Place Effect. The team, led by Mark Toro, has a track record of delivering outsized returns to investors, as evidenced by their work on Avalon in Alpharetta and Colony Square and Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta, among other noteworthy projects. TDC’s differentiated model combines data analysis with creative thinking and a commitment to community, and it is uniquely positioned to exploit the best uses for each development or redevelopment opportunity. For more information, visit torodevco.com. 

About EBSCO Real Estate:

EBSCO Real Estate has decades of investment and management experience in commercial and residential real estate across the southeast. With Jimmy Adams at the helm, the team possesses a deep understanding of market and operational dynamics. EBSCO Real Estate is guided by disciplined sourcing, risk evaluation, and a commitment to operational excellence and elevated design. For more information, visit ebscorealestate.com. They are backed by EBSCO Industries, Inc., a global company with businesses in various industries, including Information Services, Outdoor Products, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Distribution, operating divisions and subsidiaries in 23 countries and employing over 4,500 people.