3 Industry Changes to Expect in 2021

2021 comes with a handful of positive economic changes, especially in the world of engineering. This is excellent news for an industry that has faced hardship in 2020, including layoffs, project delays, and job instability. Through hardship, we’ve remained resilient by advocating for our causes and fighting for funding on major projects. Here’s what we have to look forward to:

1. The Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Plan

One of President Joe Biden’s main focuses is a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue plan that includes “some construction-related provisions,” according to ENR.

Additionally, another essential item for Biden is an economic proposal that is focused on investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, research and development. Biden hopes this will propel crucial projects forward and create millions of high-paying and stable jobs.

2. COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Construction workers should get the COVID-19 vaccine during the third rollout phase, following older Americans and healthcare workers, according to the CDC. The third rollout phase will take place in the early spring of 2021, assuming everything goes as planned (it could always be later).

Once the vaccine is administered, it’s recommended that construction workers still wear a mask on site while all other workers and project managers received both doses of the vaccine.

Be sure to check with your state’s Department of Health website for registration and eligibility guidelines. Under most health insurance benefits, the COVID-19 vaccine is free, but it’s important to double-check and establish a clear timeline of vaccination when it becomes available.

3. Focus on renewable energy

On the first day after Biden was sworn into office, he signed an executive action to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. This decision will include a focus on renewable energy and accelerate the process of positive changes in infrastructure.

Biden’s administration will take a new approach to climate change by focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that will stem from a $2 trillion bill. Renewable energy is expected to account for 70 percent of the capacity built this year, according to the U.S. Energy Administration.

Companies like Mortenson and Burns & McDonnells have already made strides toward new climate goals and utility companies have been investing in renewable energy since the mid-2000s.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the year ahead. We encourage you to become an ACEC Utah member to stay informed the latest industry updates. We also encourage our members to join us in electing officials who lobby for ACEC’s engineering-friendly agenda.