Weekly Briefing: September 5, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Week of September 1, 2025
Trump Administration Cancels $679M Offshore Wind Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation has revoked $679 million in federal funding for 12 infrastructure projects tied to offshore wind development, marking a significant move in President Trump’s broader effort to halt renewable energy expansion.
The largest affected initiative is Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind in Northern California, which lost $427 million in support. This marine terminal was key to California’s goal of generating 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045.
The administration claims wind projects divert resources from maritime revitalization. Funding will be redirected to upgrade traditional port infrastructure. Meanwhile, developers warn that these actions could lead to higher energy costs.
Additional projects across Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio have also lost funding. Separately, the Department of the Interior ordered a halt to the nearly completed Revolution Wind project off New England’s coast.
U.S. Appeals Court Rules in Favor of EPA Termination of $16B in Emissions Grants
A federal appeals court overturned a lower court’s injunction, allowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt disbursement of $16 billion in climate grants, ruling that the original judge overstepped legal boundaries.
The court found that the grantees’ claims were unlikely to succeed, partly because they involve contractual issues that belong in the Court of Federal Claims, and partly because other arguments were deemed baseless.
The EPA froze and began terminating grants earlier this year, citing concerns over improper financial obligations. Grantees argue this move violates congressional intent and has already derailed clean energy and housing projects.
The case is now back in district court. Lead plaintiff Climate United Fund, which received $6.97 billion, vows to continue fighting for communities relying on clean, affordable energy, despite the setback.
September 1, 2025
RESPEC Company (RESPEC), a South-Dakota based multidisciplinary engineering and consulting company, has acquired Albertson Engineering Inc. (AEI), a South Dakota-based structural engineering firm. The acquisition will join and align two firms that have historically collaborated, leveraging roots across the South Dakota region. “AEI is a perfect fit, technically, culturally, and geographically,” said Jason Love, CEO and President of RESPEC. “This partnership expands our structural depth and regional presence, but more importantly, it brings in a team that shares our commitment to people, quality, and long-term relationships. That’s what drives everything we do.”
September 2, 2025
Ardurra Group (Ardurra), a Florida-based civil engineering firm, backed by Littlejohn & Co., has acquired J.R. Wauford & Company (J.R. Wauford), a Tennessee-based water and wastewater engineering firm with 70 years of experience. The acquisition will strengthen Ardurra’s ability to provide engineering, planning, consulting, design, and construction services for all phases of water and wastewater systems. “J.R. Wauford’s specialized capabilities in high-end water solutions make them an exceptional addition to Ardurra,” said Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra. "Their technical excellence, trusted client relationships, and shared commitment to collaboration and the community match our values.”
September 3, 2025
Qualus Corporation (Qualus), a Florida-based pure-play power solutions firm and innovator within the power infrastructure transformation, backed by New Mountain Capital, has acquired dk Engineering (dk), a California-based multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm. The acquisition strengthens Qualus in providing technical expertise and responsive solutions for power infrastructure projects throughout the western U.S. “dk’s engineering expertise adds to Qualus’ differentiated capabilities across the project life as we partner with our clients to address their complex power infrastructure challenges,” commented Greg Herasymuik, President and CEO of Qualus. “Andy Palffy and the dk team have built a terrific business and we are excited to welcome them to Qualus.”
September 3, 2025
Environ Energy (Environ), a New York-based firm that provides sustainable energy solutions, backed by 424 Capital, has acquired CSD Energy Advisors (CSD), a Texas-based energy management and advisory firm. The acquisition grows Environ’s portfolio by 1,000 more clients, some of which are Fortune 500 companies and the largest industrial energy consumers in Texas. “To say we’re excited about this is an understatement,” commented Chris Sternberg, CEO of Environ Energy. “Since 2014, CSD has achieved steady, year-over-year growth. Andrew [Barth], JB [Sowyrda], and the team have built a company known for strong relationships and advanced procurement capabilities. We’re proud to welcome them and their clients to the Environ family.”
September 3, 2025
Pape-Dawson Engineers (Pape-Dawson), a Texas-based civil engineering, environmental, and surveying firm, backed by Palm Beach Capital, has acquired Bonnett Design Group (BDG), a Florida-based firm specializing in landscape architecture and planning. The acquisition fortifies Pape-Dawson’s footprint in Florida as its fourth acquisition in the state this year. “The addition of BDG strengthens our commitment to providing our Florida clients with comprehensive, multidisciplinary services,” noted Trey Dawson, President of Pape-Dawson. “Together, we will elevate the value we bring to our clients and deliver design solutions that merge Bonnett Design Group’s visionary community planning with engineering precision.”
September 4, 2025
Perkins&Will, an Illinois-based global architecture and design firm, has been joined by Abramson Architects, a California-based architecture firm with experience in commercial, cultural, healthcare, and residential work. The merger will bolster Perkins&Will’s presence in Southern California as a new practice is created by joining together Los Angeles and San Diego offices from both firms. Trevor Abramson, Founding Partner of Abramson Architects, said, “Our combined strengths and complementary skills empower us to pursue more complex, ambitious projects and positively impact community on both the urban and human scale.”
The employee-funded and employee-driven HDR Foundation supported the Friends of Des Moines Parks with a grant that enabled the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation to introduce adaptive soccer, flag football, basketball, and baseball to be inclusive for youth across all levels of ability. The grant funded the purchase of adaptive sports equipment, expanding opportunities for all children to participate, connect, and play together. Andy McCoy, the HDR employee who sponsored this grant, expressed his pride in being part of a company that positively impacts the community.
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.