Trade Publications

2011 was a difficult year for the Environmental Protection Agency. With the upcoming presidential election, 2012 could be a lot worse. These difficulties are seen in the tone of dialogue between the EPA and the White House.

There are two main mechanisms for large changes in history and policy. The first is through slow shifts in the underlying public opinion. The second is through a historical and catalytic event.

In 1977, instead of writing a clear, plain-English law, Congress tried to appease all sides and ended up making the Clean Air Act ambiguous. 

A factory acceptance test (FAT) often follows the addition, modification or upgrade of safety instrumented systems or others critical to the operation of a facility. Cyber security, because if its impact on the safety of critical systems, should be integrated with the FAT.

A physician's first priority is to do no harm, and an engineer's primary obligation is to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. This notion is precisely what motivates the advocates of separate licensure for structural engineers-the sincere belief that such a step is necessary to ensure that structures will remain standing.

Most people want to do the right thing. But what do you do when the "right" thing is unknown? Welcome to today's Clean Air Act.

As Southern California Edison builds infrastructure to deliver wind power, it is fulfilling environmental requirements that may be a glimpse of things to come. Burns & McDonnell helped the utility overcome challenging terrain — from desert to rugged mountains — in the Angeles National Forest to deliver wind power to customers in Southern California.