This week, NSPE President David Martini, P.E, F.NSPE, expressed disappointment to Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) about changes to legislation that will jeopardize public safety by allowing engineering licensing exemptions in the pipeline industry to continue.
Martini took issue with the decision to remove a provision from S.1097 that would have required a PE to review and approve all pipeline construction and maintenance documents. The provision was removed from S. 1097 when it was rolled into a larger pipeline safety bill, S. 2299. Congressional staff have said the decision was made to gain bipartisan support for the larger bill.
While NSPE understands that compromises must be made when seeking legislative support, Martini said the exemption was a step too far and puts the public at risk. He offered to continue the conversation, and NSPE Government Relations staff have requested a phone call between Martini and Markey.
Learn more about pipeline safety, view an interactive map with states that do or do not require a PE on natural gas pipeline projects, and read other related stories.
