HELIX Environmental Planning CEO, Shelby Howard, recently had the opportunity to speak with the Environmental Business Journal to share his perspective on the themes we’re seeing across our environmental consulting industry in 2026. From our perspective as a mid-sized, employee-owned, California-based company, growth remains strong, but execution and pricing discipline are increasingly separating top performers. Demand for our environmental consulting services remains high, particularly across infrastructure, energy, electric utilities, and liability-driven work.

While AI and advanced technologies are accelerating efficiency, HELIX is also focused on addressing the broader challenges that come with their adoption, including preserving professional judgment and accountability, maintaining culture, and navigating the ethical and environmental considerations associated with their use.

Read the excerpt for Shelby’s complete Q&A interview or to access the full edition, see Environmental Business Journal, Volume 39 Numbers 7/8: Q3 2026: EBJ Environmental Industry Outlook 2026.

About Shelby Howard

Shelby Howard is HELIX Environmental Planning’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Director and has been with the firm for more than 20 years. He provides strategic direction and oversight for HELIX, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other corporate leaders. He leads strategic planning efforts and develops business strategies for the long-term growth and success of the firm, collaborating with service and sector leads. Shelby is committed to strengthening relationships, supporting the HELIX team, and providing strategic guidance to grow the firm and he works closely with HELIX’s leaders and the Board of Directors to align strategic business initiatives with core values.