Editorials

Two Contractor Selections: One Ruined, One Misunderstood

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:17 -0500

A commentary on recent procurement uproars in Massachusetts and Corpus Christi.

Trump War on Wind Power Innovation Is as Irrational as It Is Damaging to AEC Firms

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:13:00 -0400

A commentary on how the deliberate effort to undermine existing projects and investors will suppress power supply and R&D and end up a losing battle for its leader

What to Do About Immigrant Construction Workers Under Siege

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:29:00 -0400

An ENR commentary about construction industry worksite raids, deportations and the need for special visas.

Soccer Surveillance Limited Injury Payout: Holding Down NY Insurance Costs

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:30:00 -0400

A commentary about a recent case that says much about New York State's high liability insurance costs.

The Perils of Trump's Federal Reserve Ploy

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:30:30 -0400

An editorial warning that the Federal Reserve's independence must be preserved.

Time Is Short for Trump to Further Modify or End His Tariff Blitz

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:06:42 -0400

The perils to the construction industry remain.

From Vietnam War to Climate Change: ENR Award Reflects Changing Times

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

There are several times in their work lives when journalists try to say something important to readers—and one of those for ENR editorial staff is the profile of the annual Award of Excellence winner,

Why the Expiring Tax Break for Engineers Must Be Renewed

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

The section of the federal tax code known as 199a will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress approves an extension.

Federal Disruption and Public Works

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:45:00 -0500

The first modern Golden Age of federal public works investment involved building the nation-changing Interstate Highway System starting in 1956, declared finished in 1992. What many considered the second was developed by the Biden administration and authorized by Congress to renew transportation infrastructure and propel transition to.more energy sources—but its fate now is unclear.

A Critical Turning Point for AEC Professionals

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Snapped high above bridges, cramped inside tunnels and safely away from demolitions, photos force a rapidly changing industry to stand still.

Undefined Deportations Raise Many Questions

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:10:00 -0500

It didn’t even take until Election Day to try to redefine the planned mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Trump’s Migrant Deportation Plan: Cutting Through Noise and Confusion

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:32:06 -0500

How will mass deportations play out in construction?

How Small Grants Make Big Safety Differences

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:50:00 -0500

Milwaukee County, Wis., basically decided “we have a problem” when it came to road and traffic safety.

The Life-and-Death Differences Small Infrastructure Grants Can Make

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:25:00 -0400

An editorial on why small infrastructure investments do more good and matter so much to more people than you think.

NYC Congestion Pricing Plan: Down But Not Out

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:46:00 -0400

II's time to loosen the governor's grip on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to keep critical infrastructure investment from falling behind.

Construction of the Pentagon Was an Unprecedented Effort

lewisw@enr.com (Scott Lewis) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In this selection of construction history from the ENR archives, a look at the successful rush to build in the middle of World War II what at the time was the world's largest office building.

What the CHIPS Act Will and Won’t Do

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0400

A commentary with perspective on the $39 billion program.

Why the Federal Noncompete Rule Is Regulatory Overreach

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

The new Federal Trade Commission mandate delivers a blow to thousands of small and large businesses trying to protect their own trade secrets as well as investments in employee training and customer contacts. That challenge does not need a fresh overlay of federal law.

Safety Week: Open Ears To All Worker Voices

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:06:55 -0400

Now 10 years old, Construction Safety Week has evolved. What at first was a national industry stand-down to emphasize safety compliance has grown into a coordinated five days of training and advocacy.

Heading Up and Down the Escalator of Life

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Wars and political tensions are escalating, and so is migration. Also on the rise are expectations that artificial intelligence will transform life and business as we know it.

ENR Reflects on 150 Years of Construction Industry Coverage

blairs@enr.com (Scott Blair) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:30:00 -0500

ENR has evolved over the years to deliver industry coverage, products and platforms in formats that best fit the needs of the people who work in the AEC community.

Expect 2024 to Be An Industry Thrill Ride

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:40:00 -0500

There could be plenty of climbs, dips and swerves.

ENR Data Editor Visits Remote Canada Site for Project Update

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:25:00 -0400

Jon Keller’s official title at ENR is associate editor, surveys and rankings, and he collects and interprets much of the global construction sector data that pours into ENR.

Beware of Simplifying Maui’s Full Fire Reality

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Some unrealistic thinking is creeping into the public perception of last month’s devastating Maui, Hawaii, fire.

Who Canceled the Recession?

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:50:00 -0400

Worried about the yield curve? Maybe the positives outweigh the negatives.

Texas Heat Safety Retreat Shows Need For National Rule

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

A commentary that says while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed new state legislation that strips its cities and counties of some independence, more may be at stake for workers.

Are Design-Building 'Problems' Really Overall Inherited Construction Industry Woes?

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:30:00 -0400

An insurer claims manager told a risk conference audience four years ago that “in case you’ve been on another planet, there have been hundreds of design-build lawsuits.”

ENR’s New Construction Cost Data Dashboard Makes Debut

blairs@enr.com (Scott Blair) — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

ENR has launched an innovative construction materials and labor cost-trend monitoring platform tailored for today’s construction industry needs.

When Safety Matters, Let All Voices Be Heard

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400

As an index of what people are thinking, event themes can serve an important function. That applies to this year's Safety Week events, May 1-5.

Why Politics Must Never Obscure Learning From Earthquake Disasters

kormanr@enr.com (Richard Korman) — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:30:00 -0500

There’s a grim familiarity to what the world is witnessing in Turkey and Syria, where powerful double earthquakes spread death and misery over such a wide area.