al a Capito Investmen
By Alan Joch
The fate of major infrastructure and energy legislation hangs in the balance
Takeaways
>> Election-year politics
present challenges to get industry-supported legislation addressed in 2012.
F
ederal lawmakers have done little to mask the vitriol that has stymied efforts to reduce the nation’s debt load and speed economic recovery. As candidates gear up for a presidential election year, several Washington and industry insiders are concerned about the impact party-line politics will have on Congress when dealing with legislation critical to the engineering industry, especially a new multiyear transportation package.
“In previous years, we at least saw some infrastructure bills and earmarks that members of Congress could use back home for ribbon cuttings,” says Robin Black, director of government relations at CDM. “I think this is the first election I’ve seen where we don’t have that.” In addition to transportation, the fate of legislation for water and energy projects hangs in the balance. Here’s a look at some major engineering issues that need congressional action in 2012.
>> Current extension on
transportation funding expires at end of March.
>> Congress could make
headway on new energy bills.
“Congress can’t agree on a way forward, and the administration doesn’t seem to be able to put forth really bold efforts to take the initiative,” says Jay Farrar, vice president and manager of the Washington office of Bechtel Corp. “That’s very frustrating for everybody.” Election years are always tough. But the political gridlock projected in 2012 is potentially unprecedented. Neither side wants to give the other the advantage of a political victory that could curry favor with voters this November.
>>
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ENGINEERING INC.
jaNuaRy / fEbRuaRy 2012
C.J. Burton
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc - January/February 2012