The Civil Engineer's Role in Energy Policy

Abstract

The civil engineer has traditionally played a leading role in energy development. His technological achievements in energy‐producing facilities formed the bases for the growth of energy industries that have helped to propel and shape our advanced societies. Today, the civil engineer's role has shifted dramatically in response to society's concerns over the environment, safety, and social policy. The civil engineer must reshape his role to address the planning and establishment of energy policies, education of the public in risk and reliability assessment, long‐term energy needs in developing countries, the management of engineering, and interaction with the nonengineering disciplines and aspects of society. This will require the engineer to rise to his full status as a professional and leader of society.