Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Environmental Planning Partner in Phoenix
Environmental Planning Group (EPG) is a leading interdisciplinary firm specializing in environmental planning, landscape architecture, and compliance management. Founded in 1999, our team of seasoned professionals brings decades of collective experience in biological, cultural, and visual resource management, GIS, and public involvement. We employ a systematic, defensible planning process tailored to each project, ensuring balanced solutions that harmonize growth, development, and environmental stewardship. Our collaborative approach integrates clients, agencies, and the public to achieve optimal outcomes. With expertise in NEPA compliance, environmental impact statements, and permitting for energy, mining, and infrastructure projects, we deliver quality-driven results on time and within budget.Our commitment to advancing technology enhances efficiency, while clear communication minimizes conflicts and aligns project goals. Recognized for our work on complex projects like the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, we serve clients across the western United States and beyond. Our senior management team, with over 237 years of combined experience, ensures unmatched expertise in navigating regulatory landscapes. EPGs dedication to responsible stewardship leaves environments in better condition for future generations. We pride ourselves on ethical practices, technical excellence, and a track record of successful testimony in environmental hearings.
Services
Environmental Permitting
Electric Transmission Planning
Power Generation Services
Pipeline Compliance
Mining Reclamation
Cultural Resource Management
GIS Mapping
Landscape Architecture
Public Involvement Programs
NEPA Documentation
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of average experience in NEPA compliance and environmental permitting.
- Our interdisciplinary team includes certified archaeologists and landscape architects.
- We implement a defensible, tailored planning process for complex projects.
- Proven track record in expert testimony for energy and infrastructure projects.
- Commitment to leveraging GIS technology for efficient, accurate solutions.
What people say
Highest quality services
Completed work on-time
Within assigned budgets
Successful testimony experience
Proven environmental consultants
Services
Environmental Permitting
EPG provides comprehensive environmental permitting for energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Our services include NEPA compliance documentation, agency coordination, and expert testimony. With expertise in preparing Environmental Impact Statements and navigating federal, state, and local regulations, we ensure projects meet all legal requirements efficiently.
Electric Transmission Planning
We specialize in environmental planning for transmission lines, substations, and power generation infrastructure. Our services cover route feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with NEPA and FERC regulations. EPG's team ensures defensible processes that balance client needs with environmental protection across AC/DC and overhead/underground systems.
Pipeline Compliance
EPG offers end-to-end compliance solutions for oil, gas, and CO2 pipeline projects. From environmental feasibility studies to post-construction monitoring, we manage permitting, resource surveys, and reclamation planning. Our expertise spans pipelines up to 700 miles long, ensuring regulatory compliance while minimizing ecological impacts.
Mining Reclamation
Our mining reclamation services include baseline environmental studies, permit applications, and post-mining land restoration. EPG develops customized reclamation plans that meet regulatory standards while addressing soil stabilization, native vegetation recovery, and water resource protection for hard rock, coal, and aggregate operations.
Cultural Resource Management
EPG's cultural resource specialists conduct archaeological surveys, historic assessments, and Section 106 compliance for energy and infrastructure projects. Led by a registered professional archaeologist with 25+ years of experience, we manage consultations with federal agencies and tribal representatives to protect heritage resources while supporting project goals.
People
Paul Trenter
Chief Executive Officer
Principal and founding partner with 30 years of experience managing environmental studies for energy projects. Testified as expert witness in multiple states and directed NEPA compliance for over 100 projects across the western U.S.
Randy Palmer
President
Co-founder with 34 years of expertise in infrastructure permitting, including 32 years focused on energy projects. Directed NEPA documentation for major projects and testified as expert witness in eight states across diverse federal agency jurisdictions.
Mickey Siegel
Principal
40-year environmental planning veteran specializing in facility siting and impact assessment. Directed studies for major transmission projects like the 515-mile SunZia project and provided expert testimony in 12 power plant and transmission line cases.
Steve Swanson
Principal
Archaeologist with 25+ years of experience managing cultural resources. Expert in Southwest prehistory and Section 106 compliance, holding permits in multiple states. Provides consultation services between agencies, tribes, and private industries.
Dave Wilson
Principal
40-year landscape architecture professional directing planning and design projects across the Southwest. Specializes in multi-state regional projects with expertise in balancing environmental considerations with client needs while maintaining design excellence.
Questions
What environmental services does EPG offer?
EPG provides permitting, compliance management, NEPA documentation, resource studies, and reclamation planning for energy, mining, and infrastructure projects.
How experienced is EPG in NEPA compliance?
With projects since 1999, we've completed over 100 NEPA studies including EISs and EAs, with expert testimony experience in multiple states.
What geographic areas does EPG serve?
We primarily serve western U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Does EPG handle complex energy projects?
Yes, we specialize in electric transmission lines, power generation facilities, and pipelines up to 700 miles long with federal/state permitting expertise.
How does EPG approach cultural resource management?
Our registered archaeologists conduct surveys, historic assessments, and tribal consultations to meet Section 106 requirements while protecting heritage resources.
What makes EPG different from other firms?
Our 25+ year average team experience, defensible planning process, and proven success in expert testimony set us apart in environmental consulting.
