Across the country, state societies are at the forefront of connecting professional engineers with legislators and influencing the future of the engineering profession. The Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-Ohio) is no exception, offering its members an exceptional opportunity to play an active role in the legislative process. On Friday, April 25, 2025, NSPE-Ohio will host Ohio Engineers Legislative Day, a virtual event designed to empower engineers to engage with lawmakers and shape the future of the engineering profession through public policy.

Ohio Engineers Legislative Day will take place virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT. The event offers attendees the opportunity to earn 4.0 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours by participating in a series of informative webinars that highlight key public policy discussions. Approximately 200 participants are expected to participate in the event, making this an excellent opportunity for engineers to deepen their understanding of the legislative process and its impact on the profession.

Exploring the Intersection of Engineering and Legislation

Ohio Engineers Legislative Day will feature a variety of expert-led sessions that focus on both the technical and legislative aspects of the engineering profession.

• Senator Louis W. Blessing III, P.E., Ohio's only engineer legislator and a member of NSPE-Ohio, will provide a legislative update. His session will focus on current legislation affecting Ohio’s professional engineers and offer a unique perspective from someone with both engineering and legislative experience.
• Sydney Sanders, the director of policy and communications for Governmental Policy Group and an NSPE-Ohio lobbyist, will discuss Ohio’s administrative rule-making process. This session will offer attendees an understanding of how administrative rules are drafted, reviewed, and implemented, and how they affect the executive agencies that engineers work with daily.
• Phil Yoder, MBA, ATP, an aviation instructor at Ohio University and retired captain with NetJets, will present Master Aviator’s Analysis of the Recent Aircraft Accident in Washington, DC. His session will explore the tragic mid-air collision between an American regional jet and a military Blackhawk helicopter, focusing on lessons learned in aviation safety, human factors, and airspace design. He will also highlight important technical policy needed in the industry.
• Matthew Flagler,  assistant fire chief of emergency management for the City of Cincinnati, will present Rising from the Ashes: Reconstructing the I-471/Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. This session will discuss the response to the November 2024 fire under the bridge, the ongoing demolition and reconstruction efforts, and the collaboration of state and local entities involved in the project.
• Hassan Hayat, M.Eng., director of regional transmission planning at American Electric Power (AEP), will present Powering Data Centers: Navigating Transmission Network Challenges for Future-Ready Solutions. This session will cover challenges in integrating data centers with electrical transmission networks, strategies to enhance grid resilience, and planning considerations for supporting data center expansion while ensuring efficiency and reliability.

These sessions are designed to give engineers a comprehensive view of how public policy shapes their profession, as well as the tools needed to engage with legislators and policymakers effectively.

Taking Action: Strengthen Your Role in Advocacy

Ohio Engineers Legislative Day is not just a one-time event; it’s an opportunity for NSPE-Ohio members to deepen their involvement in the legislative process. State members are encouraged to take the next step in their advocacy journey by joining NSPE-Ohio's Legislative and Government Affairs (L&GA) Committee.

This Committee actively participates in grassroots lobbying efforts, including meeting with legislators and preparing testimony. NSPE-Ohio has long proven effective at showing legislators that PEs have the education, experience, and expertise necessary to guide sound public policy decisions on technical and engineering matters.

Joining NSPE-Ohio’s L&GA committee provides an excellent opportunity for state members to influence policy decisions that impact the engineering community and to network with other professionals who share a commitment to advocacy and public service.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Engineers for Ongoing Advocacy

Ohio Engineers Legislative Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for professional engineers to advocate for their profession. It’s not just about one event—it’s about building a culture of advocacy that lasts throughout the year. Engineers are encouraged to stay informed about their state societies' initiatives and to explore ways they can contribute to both local and federal advocacy efforts. With numerous opportunities for engagement, now is the perfect time to make a lasting impact on the future of the engineering profession.

For those interested in making a broader impact, the NSPE also offers opportunities to engage in shaping policy at the federal level. Click Here to learn more. 

For more information about NSPE-Ohio’s upcoming Legislative Day, click here.