EPA Chief Rolls Back Climate, Air and Water Regulations
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the EPA plans to roll back existing climate, air, and water regulations.
Planned actions by the EPA include reconsidering coal ash cleanup requirements, national ambient air quality standards, revoking the policy that greenhouse gas emissions harm public health, and more.
One action already implemented is a joint memo with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, clarifying the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), which simplifies the construction permitting process by bringing clarity to what waters are under federal protection and shifting more wetland regulation to state or local levels.
While some industry groups, like leaders in the steel and petroleum industries, support the EPA’s actions, environmental organizations warn these changes could hinder progress and point out that businesses were still able to perform well under past regulations.
Rise in Businesses Scrapping AI Initiatives
The number of businesses scrapping their AI initiatives has risen to 42%, up from 17% last year, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence survey with over 1,000 respondents in North America and Europe. This highlights the challenges companies face in scaling AI projects and difficulties in executing their plans.
Despite the increase in AI project cancellations, with firms on average discontinuing 46% of AI proof-of-concepts before reaching full production, most businesses are continuing to increase their investments in generative AI.
The most common challenges faced are high costs, technical complexities, and unclear ROI. However, firms that effectively customize AI solutions and prioritize the most impactful use cases are seeing success. Experimenting and early failure can be viewed as critical steps toward discovering optimal applications.
While some firms are reevaluating their AI strategies, many still recognize the importance and value of AI, especially for applications in customer experience workflows, marketing processes, and IT operations.
March 14, 2025
Celnor Group (Celnor), a UK-based group of complementary businesses offering a broad range of inspection, testing, certification and compliance (TICC) services to commercial clients, backed by Inflexion Private Equity, has acquired John Turner Consulting (JTC), a New Hampshire-based geotechnical testing and engineering, materials sampling and analysis, environmental consulting, building sciences, energy consultants, construction engineering, and inspection services firm. The acquisition will strengthen Celnor’s international presence outside of the UK and Ireland. Simon Parrington, CEO and Founder of Celnor, noted, “JTC represents a pivotal moment for Celnor as we expand our coverage beyond the UK and Ireland. The Group has grown significantly over the past 18 months, enabling us to support over 1,300 colleagues, 5,500 clients and deliver annualised revenues of over £130m. Announcing our international expansion is a fantastic way to start 2025.”
March 18, 2025
CPH, a Florida-based architecture and engineering design firm, has acquired Mittauer & Associates, a Florida-based engineering firm that specializes in water, wastewater, civil, structural engineering, and grant funding. This strategic move allows both firms to strengthen their dedication to technical excellence and building resilient communities. Additionally, it enables CPH to leverage Mittauer & Associates’ expertise, positioning CPH as a full-service partner that offers design and funding assistance for municipal and utility infrastructure projects. “Mittauer & Associates joining the CPH family affords us the opportunity to provide innovative, full-service solutions to more communities throughout the state of Florida,” said Peter-John Sutch, President of CPH. “Mittauer & Associates’ client-first approach and expertise in grant-funded infrastructure projects will help us better serve our existing clients and expand into new market areas."
March 19, 2025
LRQA, a UK-based firm with expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection and cybersecurity services, backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, has acquired EcoEngineers, an Iowa-based consulting, auditing and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition. This acquisition is LRQA’s fifth acquisition within five months, demonstrating its dedication to growth and enhancing services to aid clients. Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, said, “This acquisition is a truly exciting expansion of LRQA’s existing capabilities in carbon accounting, greenhouse gas (GHG) verification and sustainability strategy, and we’re thrilled to welcome EcoEngineers to the team and to continue driving real impact for our clients, people and planet. The regulatory landscape remains complex, with shifting state and international policies influencing corporate sustainability strategies. That’s why, together with EcoEngineers, we’re here to help clients navigate that landscape."
March 19, 2025
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), a Quebec-based investment group managing funds for public retirement and insurance plans, entered into a partnership with Norda Stelo, a Quebec-based firm with experience in transportation infrastructures, as well as diverse industries such as mining and metals, energy, and manufacturing and processing. Norda Stelo has announced the closing of $28.1 million in equity financing from CDPQ while remaining majority-held by its employee-shareholders. This partnership will enable Norda Stelo to continue to grow in key sectors such as infrastructure, natural resources and strategic industries. “This partnership is tangible recognition of Norda Stelo’s expertise and the relevance of its mission. Together, we will continue to build concrete solutions to meet the major challenges of our time, not by becoming the best in the world, but the best for the world,” said Alex Brisson, President and CEO of Norda Stelo.
March 20, 2025
Trinity Consultants (Trinity), a Texas-based global environmental consulting firm that provides services in the regulatory compliance, ecology & water, built environment, and life sciences markets, backed by Oak Hill Capital, has acquired Jaffe Holden, a Connecticut-based leader in acoustic design and audio-visual services for performing arts, educational, and cultural spaces. This acquisition brings in Jaffe Holden’s years of experience to Trinity’s built environment division and complements previous acquisitions in the acoustical services space. Jim Perry, managing director of Trinity Built Environment, commented, “The company’s esteemed reputation and complementary services will be a strategic asset to Trinity as we enter our next chapter of growth and innovation. We’re excited to partner with their team to orchestrate symphonies of space and sound.”
Employees from the Parametrix, team used virtual reality headsets to teach community members in Las Vegas about the possible ways to transform a widely used corridor at the Stewart Avenue Complete Streets project. Using immersive visualization tools, including Snap Streets 3D-printed models, prepared by Civil FX Visualizations by Parametrix, community members explored new opportunities for Stewart Avenue. The corridor, a key route for residents to access school, work, and shopping, will see enhancements such as buffered bike lanes, a protected two-way cycle track, ADA accessible sidewalks, upgraded lighting, street trees, and improved bus stops.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.