PE Matters June 2021
State News for NSPE Members
Group Discusses Clean Energy Roadmap
In May, a group of stakeholders discussed the formation of a Clean Energy Economy Roadmap for the state during a virtual town hall. The forum was hosted by the Innovation and Commercialization for a Regional Energy Workforce project at New Mexico State University. The goal was to illustrate a roadmap to harness regional opportunities in support of a clean energy ecosystem in New Mexico. Project partners included NMSU’s College of Engineering, Arrowhead Center, Indian Resources Development and the New Mexico-based think tank, the North American Intelligent Manufacturing Initiative.
The roadmap is just one example of the state’s research universities and labs, public agencies, private think tanks and business groups are working together to transition to a clean energy economy, reports the Albuquerque Journal.
Manufacturers Like the Southwest
Manufacturing is humming in the Southwest, reports the Wall Street Journal. In the four years through 2020, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma increased manufacturing output more than any other region in the US. “The lure is open land, local tax breaks and a growing supply of tech-savvy workers.” Among the article’s examples, Intel Corp. said it would spend $3.5 billion to expand its manufacturing operations in New Mexico, adding 700 jobs. The company said it will also invest $20 billion to expand its manufacturing in Arizona and pledged to add 3,000 high-tech jobs.
Electric Charging Stations Grow in New Mexico
With electric vehicles becoming more common in the state, hundreds of charging stations have been installed, and utilities are planning to put in more, according to nmpoliticalreport.com. Public Service Company of New Mexico spokesperson Eric Chavez said that New Mexico is a leader in electric charging stations. A total of 51 are open to the public throughout the state and four more are planned.
Stay up to date on legislative issues through the NSPE Advocacy Center .
Register for the 2021 Virtual PECon
Registration is now open for NSPE’s Virtual Professional Engineers Conference 2021 (August 3–5). The early bird registration rate deadline is July 15.
Attendees will have access to up to 14 unique and insightful PDH sessions (live and on-demand sessions) and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and experts from across the country through the morning “coffee chats” and Mastermind sessions. In the Mastermind sessions, attendees will address their most pressing professional issues and tap into the knowledge, experience, and advice of their peers and PE experts to help workshop solutions. There will also be virtual engineering facility tours and a celebration of PE Day (August 4).
PECon at a Glance
- Bridging the Gap to Leadership: Connecting the Skills You Have with the Skills You Need (Shelley Row, P.E., CSP, Leadership and Decision-Making Expert)
- Florida International University Bridge Failure, A Study in Ethics (Susan Sprague, P.E., F.NSPE, Senior Associate, and Eric Tappert, P.E., Consultant)
- AI and the Evolving Role of the “Traditional” Engineer: An Engineer’s Perspective from NASA to Infrastructure and Beyond (Kimberly Johnson, P.E., Founding Principal)
- Reaching New Heights in Engineering (Alan Mallory, P.E., PMP, Speaker, Author, and Performance Coach)
Registration Options
A Day Pass for NSPE members is $99 until July 15 and $149 after July 15. The pass provides access to four PDH sessions, networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables of your choice each day, and evening post-session discussions.
The All Access Pass for NSPE members is $249 until July 15 and $299 after July 15. This pass provides access to 14 PDH sessions, access to daily networking morning “coffee chat” roundtables, and evening post session discussions.
Student members can register for a Day Pass or the All Access Pass for free until July 15. The rate for both passes is $50 after July 15. Nonmembers can join NSPE for $299 and receive member pricing.
Women in Engineering Event to Explore Gender and Racial Equity
DiscoverE and the Congressional Women in STEM Caucus will co-host an event on June 23, in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day . The event will include a lively panel discussion exploring the factors that attract girls to engineering, why women persist in the field, and the role you can play in achieving gender and racial equity in engineering and technology.
NSPE Government Relations staff coordinated the participation of the Women in STEM Caucus for the event. The Women in STEM Caucus seeks to bring public and congressional awareness to policies, programs, and initiatives that support women in STEM fields, and develops the next generation of women leaders. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) serve as caucus co-chairs.
NSPE recognizes the benefits of a diverse population of licensed engineers in shaping the future of engineering. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities and create an inclusive community ultimately leading to a more creative, effective and technically respected community.
2021–22 Call for Volunteers
NSPE needs your knowledge, expertise, and time to help the Society carry out its vision and mission and meet the goals of the strategic plan . Volunteer positions begin in mid-August and end at the 2022 Professional Engineers Conference.
There are three types of volunteer opportunities:
- Level 1 (Highest Engagement)–Standing Boards and Committees
Often includes attending at least one in-person meeting. Most meetings held via video conference. Terms may be up to three years. - Level 2 (Intermediate Engagement)–Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces
Activities primarily include online correspondence and video conference meetings. - Level 3 (Lowest Engagement)–Ad Hoc Volunteer
Volunteer on a project-by-project basis.
