January/February 2020

PE Report
New York Lawmakers Aim to End PE Exemption

Legislation to require PE oversight of engineering work related to gas transmission lines is on the New York State Legislature’s agenda.

When the legislature reconvenes on January 8, the State Senate and Assembly will reintroduce bills (S.B. 2935/A.B. 6557) seeking to require a PE’s seal on any plans for engineering work, performed by or on behalf of a gas company, that could pose a material risk to public safety. The legislation also authorizes the Public Service Commission to set rules and regulations relating to the requirement. The senate version of the bill passed last May.

The legislation was introduced in response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendation to end PE license exemptions following the deadly natural gas pipeline explosion in Massachusetts in September 2018. If passed, the requirements will take effect 18 months after becoming law.

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers has long sought repeal of exemptions which represent significant threats to public health, safety and welfare. NYSSPE believes that this legislation is a step in the right direction.

In late October, the National Transportation Safety Board identified states, including New York, that do not require a licensed professional engineer on natural gas pipeline projects. The NTSB sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and governors of the other states, urging them to end exemptions for gas pipeline operators and asking for an update within 90 days. NSPE has been a vocal proponent of ending licensing exemptions and provided the NTSB with information on the importance of licensing laws.