Weekly Briefing: July 11, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Week of July 7, 2025
Trump Administration To End Tax Credits for Wind and Solar Projects
On July 7, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Treasury to phase out federal tax incentives for wind and solar projects that haven’t begun construction by July 4, 2026, or aren’t completed by December 31, 2027.
The U.S. Interior Department is instructed to review and remove any regulations that provide “preferential treatment” to renewable energy projects.
The order aligns with recent federal legislation that favors coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy over wind and solar, aiming to enhance grid reliability by prioritizing baseload power sources.
Renewable energy advocates warn the move could severely harm the U.S. wind and solar sectors, increase energy costs, and reduce global competitiveness, while fossil fuel industries may benefit from increased project opportunities.
Construction Industry Adds 15K Jobs During Market Shifts
According to an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry added 15,000 jobs in June, with a year-over-year increase of 1.5% or 121,000 jobs. Most of the growth came from nonresidential specialty trade contractors.
The construction unemployment rate declined to 3.4%, while the national rate dropped slightly across all industries, signaling continued economic momentum.
Strong job growth and stable inflation reduce the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in July, which may concern contractors facing project delays and high borrowing costs.
Tariffs on materials like steel and aluminum are pushing up construction costs, threatening project viability and contractor profit margins.
Immigration policy shifts may further strain labor and costs
July 3, 2025
Verdantas, a Florida-based digitally enabled technical consulting solutions provider for the environment, water, and energy transition markets, backed by Sterling Investment Partners, has acquired Independent Solutions Inc., a California-based firm with expertise in inspection and soil and materials laboratory testing, with a strong focus on the healthcare sector. The acquisition strengthens Verdantas’ team through the addition of healthcare-focused certified laboratory technicians and field inspectors. “The addition of Independent Solutions strengthens Verdantas’ presence in California and brings valuable experience in non-public sector projects, particularly in the healthcare space,” said Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas. “This collaboration enriches our integrated service offerings and supports our mission to deliver forward-thinking, client-focused solutions.”
July 8, 2025
MOREgroup, a Texas-based civic, education, and healthcare architecture, design, and engineering firm, backed by Wind Point Partners, has acquired RossTarrant Architects (RossTarrant), a Kentucky-based design firm that specializes in education and sports and recreation facilities. This strategic move enhances MOREgroup’s services in the Southeast, adds landscape architecture to its offerings, and expands RossTarrant’s resources and reach. LaShae Baskin, CEO of MOREgroup, commented, “[RossTarrant’s] deep commitment to student-centered design and community impact aligns perfectly with our mission. By joining forces, we’re not just expanding our geographic reach—we’re amplifying our ability to create spaces that empower learning, connection, and growth.”
July 8, 2025
LJA Engineering (LJA), a Texas-based employee-owned, full-service, and multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, has acquired Fagan Consulting, a Texas-based transportation consulting firm. This strategic acquisition strengthens LJA’s ability to deliver comprehensive transportation solutions and deepens its expertise in complex tolling systems. James Ross, President and CEO of LJA, stated, “We’re excited to welcome Fagan to LJA. Fagan’s expertise further deepens our capabilities in fully serving our transportation clients with a comprehensive, end-to-end approach.”
July 9, 2025
LJA Engineering (LJA), a Texas-based employee-owned, full-service, and multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, has acquired MESA Integrated Solutions (MESA), a Texas-based full-service transportation engineering consulting firm. The acquisition bolsters LJA’s offerings of innovative transportation and technological solutions. John Mora, President of MESA, noted, “When we began looking at potential partners, LJA stood out. It was important to choose the right partner to continue growing our engineering technology expertise, and LJA felt like the ideal fit. Their values and culture align with ours, and we are excited about the opportunities that this move brings both to our employees and our clients.”
July 9, 2025
A3 Environmental Consultants (A3E), an Illinois-based woman-owned business, specializing in environmental consulting and remediation, merged with Olson Ecological Solutions, an Illinois-based woman-owned ecological consulting and restoration firm, serving federal, state, local, and private entities in the Upper Midwest Region. The merger combines two experienced teams with longstanding ties to Northern Illinois. A3E’s LinkedIn reads, “This isn’t just growth for growth’s sake. It’s a strategic leap toward a stronger core business—more boots on the ground, more minds at the table, and more firepower to serve our clients across Chicagoland and beyond.”
The recent flooding in Central Texas has brought widespread devastation, impacting lives, homes, and communities. In response, SWCA Environmental Consultants is supporting the community by matching all employee donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. This fund supports organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments working to provide rescue, relief, and recovery efforts across the affected communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.
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.