Contributed by Mike McCown, Principal, PPM Consultants
When I started out in environmental consulting 35 years ago, it felt like we were building the plane while flying it. New rules were coming out constantly, clients were scrambling to figure out what applied to them, and the public conversation about the environment was just starting to get serious. Back then, the Clean Air Act, hazardous waste rules, permitting requirements, and the process of soil/groundwater assessment and remediation were all still relatively new. Companies had to get binders of permits and manifests in order or risk fines that could put them out of business. It was a stressful time, but also an exciting one.
Politics has swung back and forth plenty since then. Some years brought new regulations at a dizzying pace, while other times there was talk of scaling things back. But here’s the thing: the core framework has stayed the same. Whether the winds blow left or right, companies still need air, water, and waste permits, contaminated sites must be addressed, and environmental risks must be managed when acquiring or divesting properties. A wide range of parties still need consultants like us to help them figure out the practical side of what the rules mean in the real world.
One big change is how much smarter both regulators and industry have gotten. In the early years, everyone was figuring it out together. Regulators were interpreting brand-new laws, and companies were trying to decide if they were even subject to them. Now, the system is more mature. Agencies understand industries better, and most companies understand that compliance isn’t optional. In fact, many clients see it as a way to build trust with their communities.
Public perception has shifted a lot too. Decades ago, companies wanted their compliance efforts to fly under the radar. Nobody was bragging about their Title V permit renewal. Today, with ESG reports, sustainability commitments, and the internet shining a spotlight on everything, environmental performance is part of a company’s public identity – even potentially impacting their shareholder value. And here’s the tension: people demand clean air and clean water—but we also want fast shipping, affordable energy, and products on demand. Oh yeah, we also want it at a competitive price! All these demands require manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure, which naturally come with environmental impacts. Clients are often caught in the middle, trying to balance those competing expectations. Our job is to help them do it realistically.
Another topic that’s evolved over time is climate. In the 1970s, people talked about global cooling. By the 1990s, it was global warming. Now, it’s climate change. Each version of the conversation has stirred public debate, and eventually, new regulatory pressures. Regardless of where you land in the debate, the reality for industry is clear: companies have had to deal with rules around greenhouse gas reporting, energy efficiency, and sustainability disclosures—even when their core operations haven’t really changed. It’s another example of how public perception shapes regulation, which then shapes how our clients operate.
Our work as consultants has grown along with all this, but the mission is still the same. We help clients understand the rules, get the right permits, and stay in compliance. Today we’re often brought in even earlier, like when property changes hands or a company is expanding. Environmental due diligence, which used to be a niche service, is now standard. Everyone wants to know what they’re buying and what liabilities might be hiding in the soil or groundwater. Helping clients spot those risks—and solve them—has become one of the most rewarding parts of this job.
Brownfields are another area where I’ve seen a big shift. Years ago, contaminated sites were considered dead weight. Nobody wanted to touch them. Now, with better regulatory programs and financial incentives, they’re seen as opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients who turned blighted properties into thriving industrial or commercial spaces. Watching that transformation never gets old.
For all that’s changed, the core reason clients call us hasn’t. Whether it was the late 1980s or today, companies want to avoid surprises, manage risk, and keep regulators off their doorstep. They look to us not only for technical expertise but for judgment. They want to know which issues really matter, which ones can be managed, and how to stay in business while staying in compliance. That trusted advisor role is something I’ve valued since my first project, and it’s just as important today.
Technology has made our work more efficient, no question. When I started, everything was paper—binders, filing cabinets, endless forms. Now we have digital compliance systems, real-time monitoring, and data dashboards. But at the end of the day, the tech only gets you so far. Clients still need someone who can connect the dots and explain what the data means for their operations. That human element hasn’t changed, and I don’t think it ever will, even with the advent of AI.
Looking back, I see a profession that’s matured a lot but also stayed true to its purpose. Regulations have shifted and evolved, but the basics remain. Clients continue to need guidance through a complex system. And our role—bridging the gap between regulation and reality—has never been more important. The details may change, but the mission is the same: help businesses move forward while protecting the environment we all share.
And on a personal note, after 35 years, what keeps me going isn’t just the technical challenges—it’s the relationships. Working side by side with clients, watching their businesses grow, and knowing I’ve helped them navigate obstacles that once seemed overwhelming is what makes this career so rewarding. The rules may change, the politics may shift, but at the end of the day, it’s about people helping people find a way forward. That’s what drew me into this field, and it’s what has kept me here all these years. At PPM Consultants, Inc. we built our organization and pride ourselves in “Simplifying the Complex” for our clients.
I would love to hear your perspective on the topic, feel free to reach out to me at mike.mccown@ppmco.com.