When most people think of Texas, they picture oil rigs, cowboy hats, and sunbaked land. But Texas is fast becoming known for something quite different: clean, renewable energy. The Lone Star State has become the undisputed leader in America’s renewable energy revolution, outpacing more traditionally “green” states and setting the pace for the rest of the country.
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Decommissioning bonds play a crucial role in the renewable energy sector in the United States, ensuring the responsible management of renewable energy projects throughout their lifecycle. They guarantee funds will be available for the eventual decommissioning and site restoration of renewable energy facilities at the end of their operational lives. Here’s an in-depth look at the history and significance of decommissioning bonds in the U.S. renewable energy sector.
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During his first administration, President Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the United States. The reasoning was that these imports threatened national security by weakening domestic production capabilities and undermining industries crucial to defense and infrastructure. In early 2025, the federal administration reinstated a blanket 25% tariff on steel. It increased the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25%, replacing the modified tariff-rate quotas and exemptions implemented in recent years with a uniform policy across all steel and aluminum imports.
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California’s long-delayed high-speed rail (HSR) may be in jeopardy. In late February, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct a “compliance and performance review” of roughly $4 billion in federal grants awarded to the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA). The FRA will decide whether the state has honored its grant agreements and, if not, whether the federal government should claw the money back. If that were to happen, the Central Valley spine construction project currently underway could face an immediate cash crisis.
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The second half of 2025 is packed with high-impact gatherings that bring together owners, contractors, designers, and technology providers to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges—from workforce shortages and supply chain volatility to decarbonization and AI-driven project delivery. The following roundup spotlights the year’s remaining conferences and expos, detailing when and where they take place, the themes shaping their programs, and the practical takeaways attendees can expect. Whether you’re looking to earn last-minute CE credits, forge partnerships for 2026 bids, or get hands-on with emerging tech, these events offer timely opportunities to sharpen your competitive edge before the end of the year.
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Embracing diversity and fostering true inclusion in construction is a competitive imperative in 2025 and beyond. It is essential to close talent gaps, unlock innovation, and create a built environment that genuinely serves community needs. Moral imperatives and social responsibility aside, diversity and inclusion are key to resolving the talent shortfall faced by construction firms nationwide. With 20% of the current construction workforce already 55 or older, the U.S. will need about 454,000 additional construction workers to meet demand in 2025 alone.
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North Carolina is about to rewrite the playbook for pediatric medicine. On January 28, 2025, longtime Triangle rivals UNC Health and Duke Health filed articles of incorporation to create NC Children’s, a private, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that will unite its pediatric expertise under one banner.
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Green bonds have become an important financial instrument in the global effort to promote sustainability. By linking bond proceeds directly to environmentally friendly projects, green bonds give investors the opportunity to achieve environmental goals without sacrificing financial returns. Green bonds have become an integral part of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing movement and are playing a role in facilitating the construction industry’s shift towards more sustainable practices.
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is among the most recognized green building rating systems worldwide. Managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
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Construction projects often involve multiple parties, high-value commitments, and complex regulations. A well-drafted contract is essential to manage risks and clarify responsibilities, even for smaller, less complex projects. Here are ten of the most common construction contract pitfalls, along with practical ways to prevent or mitigate them.
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