Weekly Briefing: February 13, 2026
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Week of February 9, 2026
Trump Administration Repeals Key Emissions Regulation Setting a New Precedent
The Trump administration announced it is terminating the E.P.A.’s 2009 “endangerment finding,” a scientific conclusion that greenhouse gas emissions endanger Americans’ health and welfare. This finding has been the legal foundation for federal limits on greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane for nearly 17 years.
The administration argued the endangerment finding “had no basis in fact” and asserted a legal interpretation that the Clean Air Act permits limits only for pollution that causes direct harm “near the source.” E.P.A. Administrator Lee Zeldin described the move as a major deregulatory action, and the administration claimed it would save businesses about $1 trillion, without detailing the calculation.
Ending the finding removes limits on greenhouse gases from motor vehicles (while leaving other auto pollutant restrictions in place) and clears the way to repeal greenhouse gas limits for stationary sources such as power plants and oil and gas wells. The Environmental Defense Fund estimates that the repeal would raise U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 10% over 30 years and could be associated with large health impacts through 2055.
In response to the decision, California officials said they would sue, and several environmental groups pledged court challenges, while reactions from business and industry groups were mixed. If the repeal is upheld, it could make it harder for future administrations to reinstate greenhouse gas regulations.
New ABC Report Shows Construction Backlog Hits Four-Year Low in January
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.0 months in January, down 0.2 months from December and 0.4 months from January 2025.
ABC said backlog has held up better for larger contractors. Backlog has risen over the past year for contractors with more than $50 million in annual revenues but fell significantly for those below that threshold.
ABC reported that its Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins, and staffing levels increased again in January. Sales expectations improved from a year ago while profit margin and staffing expectations were slightly worse; however, all three remain above 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.
ABC’s chief economist said that backlog fell to a four-year low, yet only 13% of contractors expect their sales to decrease over the next six months (the smallest share since February 2022), and he added that whether that optimism is justified will likely depend on how much borrowing costs can decline in 2026.
February 5, 2026
MacKay Sposito, a Washington-based engineering, planning, and design services firm, backed by SkyKnight Capital, has acquired 2IM Group, an Illinois-based multidisciplinary engineering and environmental services firm. This move advances MacKay Sposito’s strategic growth and regional expansion efforts, while also enabling 2IM to leverage the partnership to drive continued success and maintain strong client relationships. Derrick Smith, CEO of MacKay Sposito, commented, “Since launching our growth plan last year, we’ve been focused on expanding our reach in a way that strengthens our capabilities while staying true to our values. 2IM Group brings deep technical expertise, strong client relationships, and a people-first culture that aligns closely with who we are as a firm. Expanding into the Midwest allows us to better serve our clients and communities while continuing to build a strong, values-driven organization.”
February 10, 2026
Stratus Team (Stratus), a Pennsylvania-based integrated engineering, architecture, and consulting firm, backed by Brightstar Capital Partners, has acquired Kestrel Engineering Group (Kestrel), a Washington-based industrial process facilities engineering and design firm. The acquisition broadens Stratus’ geographic reach into the Northwest and Upper Midwest and strengthens the combined firm’s technical expertise and capacity to deliver comprehensive, integrated project solutions. Brandon Enochs, CEO of Stratus, stated, “Kestrel’s industrial and process engineering expertise meaningfully strengthens our platform and accelerates our growth across two key regions. Their collaborative approach and strong reputation are well aligned with Stratus’ culture.”
February 10, 2026
Integral Consulting (Integral), a Colorado-based environmental science and engineering consulting firm, backed by Imperial Capital, has acquired H.T. Harvey & Associates (H.T. Harvey), a California-based ecological sciences consulting firm. This strategic move strengthens Integral’s position in California, a major market for environmental services, and expands its ecological and regulatory capabilities while bringing together two firms with complementary expertise in delivering solutions for complex environmental challenges. “Our clients are increasingly seeking partners who can guide projects from early planning through regulatory approval and implementation,” commented Ryan Brain, CEO of Integral. “This exciting partnership will strengthen our ability to deliver integrated, end-to-end solutions that combine technical depth, coordination, and regulatory insight—helping clients move projects forward with confidence.”
February 11, 2026
ALL4, a Pennsylvania-based global provider of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) consulting services, backed by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, has acquired Tora Consulting (Tora), a South Carolina-based strategic environmental and engineering advisory firm. This acquisition strengthens ALL4’s nationwide presence, particularly along the East Coast and in the Midwest, and expands Tora’s ability to deliver comprehensive services across the full project lifecycle. Bill Straub, CEO of ALL4, said, “Tora’s strategic approach to environmental and engineering challenges, combined with their strong technical reputation and client-centric service model, strengthens our ability to support clients across diverse industries with high-value solutions delivered by technically excellent consultants.”
February 11, 2026
Alta Planning + Design (Alta), an Oregon-based sustainability firm that specializes in engineering, design, and implementation of transportation and mobility solutions, backed by Trilon Group, has acquired Raimi + Associates (R+A), a California-based planning and urban design firm. This partnership establishes Alta as a full-service sustainable community planning and design firm by expanding its services in comprehensive planning, urban design, development regulations, sustainable development, and social research. Katie Mangle, Chief Strategy Officer of Alta, said, “By joining forces with R+A’s talented team, Alta will be better positioned to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing communities today. Adding the Community Planning service to our growing list of capabilities demonstrates our commitment to deliver holistic solutions for our client communities.”
During Black History Month, SWCA is recognizing the histories, cultures, contributions, and influence of Black communities while reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive workplace where employee-owners feel seen, heard, and valued. SWCA’s Black Employee Resource Group is partnering with GreenDesert.org for the second year in a row and leading a company-wide #SWCAGivesBack fundraiser to support GreenDesert’s work promoting sustainable living through zero-waste practices, eco-friendly solutions, and gardening and sustainability education.
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.