Power in Transit: The U.S. Transmission Grid at a Crossroads

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Power in Transit: The U.S. Transmission Grid at a Crossroads

In Parts 1 and 2 of our Pulse series, we explored the rising demand for electricity and the evolving mix of energy sources powering the U.S. economy. But generating electricity is only part of the equation. To keep the lights on, we need a robust, resilient, and modern transmission system capable of delivering that power where and when it’s needed. In this final installment, we examine the U.S. power grid—how it works, where it’s vulnerable, and what’s being done to strengthen it.

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The Balancing Act of U.S. Energy Supply

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The Balancing Act of U.S. Energy Supply

Welcome back to Pulse! In Part 1 of our energy series, we explored the forces behind rising electricity demand in the U.S.—from population growth to electrification of vehicles and buildings. In this installment, we turn our attention to the supply side of the equation: where our energy comes from, whether we’re generating enough, and what obstacles lie ahead.

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PHE Staff Presented at the NAEP 2025 Annual Conference & Training Symposium

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PHE Staff Presented at the NAEP 2025 Annual Conference & Training Symposium

The NAEP 2025 Annual Conference and Training Symposium was held from April 28th to May 1st in Charleston, South Carolina. The conference provided environmental professionals with opportunities to learn about new projects, share technical knowledge, network within industry peers, and engage with leaders in environmental technologies and practice.

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The Risk of Being Demanding – An Energy Perspective

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This edition of Pulse is the first of a three-part series that explores anticipated implications of increasing energy demand related to the electrification of our society including what factors affect demand, what new energy sources are needed, and whether we have the transmission capacity and capability.

After two decades of flat or falling electricity demand, North America’s electricity needs are escalating and are anticipated to continue to rise as large commercial and industrial users increase, and electrification of our economy occurs.  What will consumption increase along with needed energy production mean for our environment? Are we ready to navigate the challenges ahead to satisfy this demand in a reliable and sustainable way?  On this Earth Day we reflect on this question with the first of three Pulse editions, focusing on where and why electricity demand is increasing.

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NEPA Professionals Take Note: Key Updates from CEQ’s Latest Guidance

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First, nothing is happening to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) itself. NEPA, enacted on January 1, 1970 (Pub. L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), remains in full force and is not being challenged. It has been amended several times, most recently by the Fiscal Responsibilities Act (FRA) of 2023. The current discussions are not about the NEPA law but about the Council of Environmental Quality’s (CEQ's) ability to establish regulations. Additionally, federal agencies are being asked to reconsider their NEPA implementing regulations to streamline the process.

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Solar Energy: A Cornerstone of the U.S. Renewable Transition

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Solar Energy: A Cornerstone of the U.S. Renewable Transition

Solar energy is pivotal in the U.S. shift to renewable energy, providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. The popularity of solar PV panels has surged in recent years. According to the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2023 Year in Review by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar accounted for 53% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid in 2023. By the end of 2023, the U.S. solar industry had added a record-breaking 32.4 gigawatts (GW) of new solar PV capacity, a 37% increase from the previous record set in 2021, and a 51% increase from 2022. The installed capacity of solar PV systems in the U.S. exceeded 100 GW in 2022, with 75% of this capacity deployed within the previous five years. Now, U.S. solar capacity exceeds 200 GW, enough to power 56 million American homes.

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The Macro-sized Problems Caused by Microplastics

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The Macro-sized Problems Caused by Microplastics

Plastics are such a part of our everyday life that we hardly notice how ubiquitous they have become. They are found everywhere, from food containers and clothing to car parts and medical equipment.  Microplastics are small plastic particles, generally less than 5 millimeters in size, that occur in a wide range of shapes and materials. Due to their small size, microplastics are easily transported by wind, water currents, and stormwater and have been found all over the world in the air, soil, and water, and human and animal body tissues and fluids. Scientists are learning more every day about the potential impact of microplastics on our health and environment. Without meaningful intervention, it is anticipated that plastic accumulation in aquatic ecosystems, in other environments, and in the tissues of organisms, including humans, will continue to increase.

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PHE Welcomes New Senior Project Manager

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PHE is pleased to welcome back Mr. Greg Jackson, CEA, CEIA, Senior Project Manager, as the latest addition to the PHE Team! With over 11 years of experience, Greg’s expertise covers a broad spectrum, including leading environmental compliance audits, managing remediation and site investigation projects, and managing NEPA projects for various agencies and Federal grant programs.  Greg has supported a variety of clients over the years including the U.S. Coast Guard, Veterans Affairs Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Department of State, and Department of Energy. Greg is also an active Board Member of the Society of American Military Engineers Baltimore Post, serving on the Young Members Committee and as a Co-Chair of the Maryland Leadership and Mentoring Program. Greg’s robust skills in environmental compliance and NEPA will help PHE continue to actively provide quality service and expand our offerings. We eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions Greg will make in advancing PHE's mission of delivering exceptional value to our clients and providing an outstanding workplace.

 Join us in welcoming Greg back to PHE!