NEW YORK — WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services firm, hired three experts for its Energy practice, all from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to help clients mitigate risks, deliver faster results and reduce costs.
Steve Blazek, Tim Langer and Sean Berry are using their expertise to assist utility and transmission developers in navigating recent changes in Federal permitting processes per the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, amendments to the Federal Power Act, and amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act. They bring decades of experience from their roles at DOE’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and the Western Area Power Administration.
“The timely arrival of Steve, Tim and Sean aligns with WSP’s commitment to help our clients understand and navigate recent federal reforms,” said Sara Mochrie, WSP senior vice president and Energy market director for the U.S. Environment business. “They bring decades of valuable experience from their pivotal roles at the DOE.”
Their experience included work with the May completion of DOE rulemaking regarding the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorizations and Permits Program under the revision to Section 216(h) of the Federal Power Act, which reduces the time it takes to site and permit the electric transmission infrastructure needed to ensure the delivery of reliable, resilient and low-cost electricity to American homes and businesses.
Additionally, they contributed to the development of DOE’s pre-application procedure, resulting in a single environmental review documents serving as the basis for all Federal decisions within the deadlines established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
“Our team now includes former DOE personnel who literally helped write the book on these new processes,” said Michael Case, PE, LEED AP, WSP’s senior vice president and national business line executive for Power and Energy. “Their unparalleled ability to navigate updated regulations enables developers to secure faster and cheaper federal permitting approval, avoiding costly delays and schedule uncertainty.”
With 30 years of experience, Steve Blazek is a seasoned National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting professional, with project and program management in both private and federal sectors. His most recent role at the GDO was senior policy advisor and NEPA compliance officer.
Blazek has extensive experience managing energy infrastructure environmental review processes and programs and was instrumental in developing environmental review procedures for DOE financial assistance programs.
As a senior vice president and a leader in WSP’s Mountain Pacific region, Blazek is guiding and advising energy clients on risk reduction and achieve NEPA compliance. He is a graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and the University of Denver with a master’s degree in environmental policy and management.
Tim Langer, MS, PhD, specializes in biological compliance with more than 15 years of experience in Federal compliance and endangered species act consultations. His recent role at DOE involved management, program analysis and coordination for transmission and federal permitting.
As a vice president, regulatory leader and natural resources expert for WSP, Langer advances innovative solutions to natural resource challenges, saving clients time and money while effectively engaging with agencies. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a master’s degree in fisheries and wildlife sciences and a doctorate in zoology.
With more than 13 years of expertise in regulatory compliance and federal permitting, Sean Berry, RPA, held many roles at DOE, including environmental manager, NEPA compliance officer, regional preservation officer and senior technical advisor.
In his new role as a vice president and regulatory leader in the Mountain Pacific region, Berry oversees environmental reviews and permitting for construction and maintenance of transmission facilities, communication sites and energy generation projects. He is a graduate of Arizona State University, with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and Northern Arizona University with a master’s degree in applied anthropology.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list, WSP is driving social impact and commitment to ESG. WSP in the U.S. brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
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