Can Civil Engineers Make the Difference by Involvement in the Political Process?

Abstract

This paper examines the impact and current level of activity by engineers, both as a group and individually, in professional organizations, community‐action organizations, and political groups. The paper documents instances where low participation by engineers has resulted in legislation harmful to the practice of engineering and costly to the public, since recommendations developed through sound engineering principles were circumvented in favor of the goals of special‐interest groups. The study goes on to document that when engineers act together to support important legislation, positive results are achievable. The paper concludes that the collective action by engineers to protect public works legislation and the engineering profession from competing and detrimental forces is a necessary function of our society, and that the individual participation by each engineer within the community is effective, and the responsibility of each individual.