from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Florida's GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis have both emerged as strong critics of the rapid expansion of AI data centers, a rare alignment that suggests growing bipartisan opposition. Sanders has called for a national moratorium on data center construction, while DeSantis has proposed an AI bill of rights to give communities power to block new data centers. The united skepticism signals that data center expansion is becoming a contentious issue likely to influence the national political agenda.
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Full Story: CNBC (1/1) |
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has outlined plans to advance the state's high-speed rail project in 2026, including issuing a request for proposals for a track and systems construction contract and seeking private-sector partnerships. The project aims to connect major cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, with the first segment set to be complete by 2032.
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Full Story: Newsweek (tiered subscription model) (1/1) |
A collection of some of the biggest stories of the year
A $20 million Alabama recreation center that was on pace and under budget is now seeing delays as workers stay away due to fears over Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids. It's just one instance of construction projects across the US facing significant delays and cost overruns due to heightened ICE raids under President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, construction spending has dropped 3.5% since May, a decline rarely seen outside recessions. Industry leaders have called for temporary legal status for foreign-born workers, but the Trump administration has resisted measures resembling amnesty.
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Full Story: U.S. News & World Report (7/28) |
Fischer's Baubot robot has set a Guinness World Record by drilling 3,717 holes in concrete in 24 hours without any overlaps at Fischer's test center in Austria. Fischer aims to enhance safety and efficiency on construction sites with Baubot, which operated continuously with only brief stops for tool changes.
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Full Story: Global Construction Review (UK) (11/10) |
Construction material prices "shot up" during March, with "rapid-fire changes in tariffs" poised to push the prices of key construction materials higher, according to AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson. AGC is urging the Trump administration to pause any new tariffs until the impact of those already implemented is clear, with AGC CEO Jeffrey Shoaf saying it is difficult for members to "deliver that best value when you have no idea how much you are going to have to pay for many of the materials required to build projects."
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Full Story: Construction Dive (4/14) |
Zachry Construction has partnered with Alice Technologies in Calif. to deploy AI as a tool to expedite its estimating process for infrastructure projects. With the Alice Core AI product, Zachry can generate multiple project scenarios within minutes, significantly reducing the time needed for scheduling and estimating.
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Full Story: Construction Dive (3/19) |
A new study suggests drones can deliver a return on investment of up to 980% during efforts to monitor road and bridge conditions. The Minnesota Department of Transportation, for instance, reported a 40% cost saving by using drones for bridge inspections compared to traditional methods. The reduced need for expensive equipment and less manpower leads to substantial financial benefits.
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Full Story: Construction Equipment Guide (3/19) |
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Mark Smith,
Advocate
California Builders Alliance
5370 Elvas Avenue ǀ Sacramento, CA 95819
Cell: 916.335.5072
Email: mark.smith@calbuilders.org
Email: mark@smithpolicygroup.com
