Most people think climate policy drives change.
But what if that’s not actually true?
In this episode, we break down the 2026 EPA decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding—and what it really means for the AEC industry, sustainability, and the built environment.
Ryan sits down with Laura Steinbrink, CEO of Emerald Built Environments, to unpack the bigger picture:
How we got from the 2007 Supreme Court case to the 2009 EPA ruling
What actually changed in 2026—and what didn’t
Why this decision is legal, not scientific
Where real control still exists for AEC leaders
How communities, not policy, are driving climate action
Because while policies shift…
markets, risk, and reality don’t.
You’ll also hear how:
Local climate action plans are shaping the future
Energy demand, AI, and infrastructure pressures are accelerating change
Smarter buildings are becoming a competitive advantage—not a nice-to-have
If you’re in architecture, engineering, construction, or development—this conversation will help you navigate uncertainty and make better long-term decisions.
And if this conversation sparked something for you—
share it with someone you’re navigating change with.
If you’re not already, subscribe to Activating Curiosity for more conversations on leadership, the built environment, and how we respond to change when things don’t go as planned.
https://www.activatingcuriosity.com/
