In August, ASCE participated in a joint ceremony with Canadian and Spanish engineers recognizing the significance of the mapping of North America’s west coast by Captain George Vancouver in the 1790s. We designated the maps an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. You would have to see the rugged coast of the northwest U.S. and Canada to get a feel for the enormity of the task that was accomplished. The created maps were so accurate that they were used for decades afterward as settlement occurred. [Learn more about ASCE's landmark designation.]

As I listened to the explanation of the effort, I began to wonder what our contribution would be. What are we working on today that will be a turning point for society over the next 100 years? I firmly believe that infrastructure is the foundation for modern civilization. However, foundations must continue to change to reflect the ever-increasing demands of a growing society.

Let us agree that we should view our role as civil engineers with aspirations to make our communities better places. Who knows? Maybe someone will call your name at a ceremony in 2109.

What are you doing at the end of October? If you are still open, I encourage you to join us in Kansas City for our Annual Conference.

We have a full program built around major issues facing civil engineering. You will have the opportunity to participate in discussions that will ultimately define the future of civil engineers. We also have exceptional speakers including Ben Stein. Personally, I am hoping he is still giving away some of his money! Blaine Leonard will lay out his plans for the upcoming year. Our International Program will give all attendees the chance to see the contributions made by members outside of the USA.

All in all, the opportunities make it well worth your time. I hope to see you there.
[For a schedule and to register, visit the official Annual Conference site.]

Did you see the recent press release from the EPA? Administrator Lisa Jackson announced that the EPA is beginning the process of declaring carbon dioxide to be a pollutant. Do not miss the significance of this process. Making carbon dioxide a regulated substance will have a huge impact on civil engineers.  [Here's a story on the proposed action from the San Francisco Chronicle.]

Over time, everything that we design, construct, and operate will be placed under yet another set of rules and regulations. Everything that uses energy will be subject to new standards. None of us can predict how rapidly regulations would promulgate or how significant they would initially be to our daily practices. What we do know is that we have a large supply of attorneys, scientists, and politicians who have agendas that do not include engineering as a criterion.

ASCE and civil engineers have a large stake in making certain that the reality of engineering is injected in the hearings process. Please get as many engineering organizations, both public and private, involved in these important considerations.

Happy New Year! Yes, I know the date. However, we celebrate two new years in the U.S. -– the famous one with parties and tax issues and the start of the new school year. I never cease to be amazed at how much of our lives revolves around the start of a new school year. You do not even have to have schoolkids at home to be affected.

With that thought in mind, let me encourage you to look at ASCE as you begin this new year. I am certain that many of you have had good intentions about getting involved in your Section or Branch. Now is a good time. Your colleagues will be glad to see you. Together you can take a position about the importance of infrastructure funding during a recession. You might even write and submit a paper on that great project that you recently completed.

While you are at it, you could slip by your local engineering school or alma mater and encourage the students in ASCE. Introduce the ASCE and EWB students to each other and inform them of our partnership. Stop by the nearest school to your home and volunteer to introduce engineering to the students regardless of their age. ASCE has age-appropriate material to help you.

We have a lot of work to do to promote this great profession of civil engineering. Starting a new school year is the perfect time for you to join us.

[To find a local ASCE Section or Branch, start here.
To learn about volunteering to introduce kids to the world of civil engineering, start here. ]