ACEC’s Energy & Water| Environment Committees recently met at ACEC member firm POWER Engineers, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. The meeting presented ACEC members with opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, particularly between key stakeholders from engineering firms, government agencies, and private sector companies. The group discussed pressing issues and opportunities in energy, water management, and environmental sustainability.
Topics covered permitting reform, the water and power demands of data centers, and Supreme Court rulings impacting federal regulations. Committee members discussed challenges related to aging infrastructure, including the need for modernization of energy grids and water systems. There was a focus on challenges like funding gaps, permitting delays, and the role of local governments in managing critical infrastructure upgrades.