Debra K. Rubin

New York

Editor-at-Large at BNP Media

Editor-at-Large at Engineering News-Record (ENR)

Editor-at-Large for global business, management, education + workforce for @ENRnews.

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Articles

Developer Confirms Revival of Northeast Gas Line Projects Totaling $2B

4 days ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

Eyeing a shift in federal and state politics, energy developer Williams Cos. is reviving construction of two natural gas pipelines from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and New York that were cancelled in 2020 and 2024 after being unable to obtain needed state permits. The actions on the projects, which have investments totaling about $2 billion, follow recent discussions between the Trump administration and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul that related to energy infrastructure in the state.
Trump Admin Pushes Rule to Reverse Mandate to Cut Fossil-fuel Power Plant Emissions

1 week ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

The Trump administration announced several new actions in recent days to boost fossil fuel power generation in the U.S., particularly from coal-fired plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed to media on May 24 that it is drafting a proposed regulation to eliminate all current restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants, set to be published in the Federal Register after federal agencies' review.
Trump Admin Reverses Shutdown Of $5B NY Empire Wind Project Work

2 weeks ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

The Trump administration has lifted an April 16 stop-work order for ongoing construction of the estimated $5-billion Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York, according to a May 20 announcement by its Norwegian developer, Equinor ASA. “Construction can now resume …which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” firm CEO Anders Opedal said.
Trump Reverses Shutdown of $5B NY Empire Wind Project Work

2 weeks ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

The Trump administration has lifted an April 16 stop-work order for ongoing construction of the estimated $5-billion Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York, according to a May 20 announcement by its Norwegian developer, Equinor ASA. “Construction can now resume …which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” firm CEO Anders Opedal said.
Developer Equinor Pushes Back on Trump Admin Halt of $5B NY Offshore Wind Project

1 month ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

Top executives of Norway-based energy developer Equinor are responding strongly—with a lawsuit against the government possible—after the Trump administration halted construction of the estimated $5-billion Empire Wind offshore wind energy project off New York’s coast, citing a need for further “review” of the fully permitted project.
Farewell to DC Bureau Chief Tom Ichniowski: ENR's Government Eyes and Ears

1 month ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

This year’s momentous changes and unprecedented uncertainty in federal governance is another reminder of the importance to ENR’s audience of the magazine’s Washington, D.C., coverage. Washington Bureau Chief and veteran journalist Tom Ichniowski, who has provided steady expertise in his “inside the Beltway” reporting for ENR, and other publications, for more than four decades, has decided to retire.
ENR 2025 Top Owners Sourcebook: Tariff ‘Golden Age’ Stuns Construction Market

1 month ago | enr.com | Corinne Grinapol |Debra K. Rubin |Emell D. Adolphus |Jonathan Keller

Related Links:ENR 2025 Top Owners Sourcebook (PDF)(Subscription Required)Overall, the value of construction-in-progress (CIP) for ENR’s Top 425 Owners rose 9.3% to $595.84 billion from 2023 to 2024. Part of that rise could be attributed to more moderately sized projects coming online, according to owners, as megaprojects tied to federal infrastructure packages mature and free up labor resources.
Kiewit to Build Record 4.5-GW Gas Power Plant for Pennsylvania Data Center

2 months ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin

What was Pennsylvania’s one-time largest operating coal fired power plant will become a 3,200-acre data center and estimated 4.5-GW natural gas power plant complex by 2027, its developer and EPC contractor announced April 2.
Federal Judge Upholds New York City Building Natural Gas Restriction

2 months ago | enr.com | Johanna Knapschaefer |Debra K. Rubin

By dismissing a lawsuit filed by state and local plumbing and building trade groups, a federal district court judge in New York City has allowed continued enforcement of Local Law 154, the city’s building electrification law, which sets policy on emissions of natural gas connections in most new structures of seven stories or less.
From Vietnam War to Climate Change: ENR Award Reflects Changing Times

2 months ago | enr.com | Debra K. Rubin |Richard Korman

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, which this year tells the story of Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella. In 2025, ENR marks the award’s 60th anniversary.