November 6, 2025

By Lane Kimble

An in-depth dive into the latest federal rule changes, state environmental and regulatory challenges, expert analysis on what Tuesday night’s elections on the east coast could mean in Wisconsin moving forward, a look at a new WTBA regulatory tracking webpage, and much more.

The WTBA Environmental Committee packed plenty into its biannual meeting Wednesday in Madison.

The group heard from ARTBA’s VP of Regulatory Affairs Prianka Sharma, who covered topics such as Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and NEPA rules, several pending Congressional bills with construction-related implications, and particulate matter 2.5 reviews.

WisDOT’s Jeremy Ashauer covered various endangered species in Wisconsin, Trans 401, and updates to ECIP forms, which the department is seeking contractor feedback on.

Contract Lobbyist Eric Petersen shared insights into the political climate both looking at the previous night’s election wins for Democrats in places such as New York City and Virginia, as well as how the 2026 races for governor and control of the Legislature are shaping up in Wisconsin.

The Environmental Committee is chaired by Jim Mertes of the Walbec Group and includes about two-dozen members from across the industry.  WTBA General Counsel Jodi Jensen oversees the group.

Jensen detailed a new webpage on the WTBA site where she will update members on regulations and rules she continually tracks.

The committee’s next meeting is set for May 2026.