PS101 - Appointment of engineers to policy positions in government

Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on January 16, 2021
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on May 6, 2021
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 16, 2021

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) encourages and supports the appointment of civil engineers to policy level positions in government. ASCE will recommend and endorse candidates for appointed office as appropriate.  

Issue

Engineering projects that address infrastructure needs are complex requiring consideration of long-term life-cycle costs, integration of new technologies, and implementation of resilient and sustainable practices. Licensed civil engineers’ knowledge, experience, and judgement are essential when decisions on infrastructure projects of significant magnitude and complexity have a lasting impact on the public health, safety, and welfare. 

Rationale

Social, economic, environmental, and political considerations must be balanced with engineering judgment in the public policy making process. Civil engineering professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and judgment that is vital in establishing sound public policy on infrastructure related projects. Coordination of technical activities, regulations, research, and development is needed. There should be policy level participation of civil engineers with appropriate expertise in program decisions to maximize the benefits to infrastructure and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 101
First Approved in 1953