Earlier this spring, the Department of Justice increased the maximum penalties that can be assessed by the Civil Rights Division, including fines levied under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The maximum fines for first time violations were raised from $55,000 to $75,000. Subsequent violations can now be up to $150,000. Public pools, playgrounds and other public spaces are subject to rules and ramifications of the ADA.

The International Code Council has obtained the help of the National Association of Homebuilders, and building systems group ASHRAE to develop the third update of the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, an ANSI-approved system for sustainable residential construction, development and remodeling.

A new proposed rule by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers could significantly affect professionals' ability to treat property near any water according to Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, which represents the pesticide and fertilizer industry. RISE contends that the rule would subject all waters to regulation, including man-made water bodies, golf course ponds, and ditches, would impact every pesticide and fertilizer application, and would require permits for professionals, even on private property.

OSHA is considering a rule change that would lower the permissible exposure limit, or PEL, of respirable crystalline silica from 100 micrograms to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight-hour day.