APCA Convention Promotes Pipelines, Motivates Membership
North American Energy Pipelines
Closing out the recent 2022 American Pipeline Contractors Association Convention, President Taylor Dacus, Troy Construction, perfectly summed up the mood of APCA members: “The world’s largest gas field is 200 miles away from New England, and we import Russian gas because the federal agencies will not let us lay pipelines to supply affordable, reliable, and clean energy,” he said. “To that, I say enough is enough. It is time to put politics aside. It is time to put labor aside. It is time to take action. It is time for all of us to join forces and push Washington to get out of the way. This country and this industry are on the verge of a massive bull run.”
His audience — 260 attendees, including 13 new members and 27 first-timers — erupted in applause. They all traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona, in March meet with fellow members, learn more about their industry, and chart a path forward in uncertain times.
During the Government & Industry Affairs session, Susan Waller, executive director of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, updated members on efforts to inform policymakers and the public about the critical role natural gas plays in America’s clean energy transition. “If you get the information out there, you can change their minds,” she said.
In his session, The Glass Is More Than Half Full, Mark Bridgers of Continuum Capital detailed the promising opportunities that are available in the pipeline market, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) pipelines, as well as pipeline integrity and maintenance, gas distribution and more. He said, “There’s lots of opportunity out there, but remember what Darwin said: ‘Those who can adapt will survive.’”
Andy Stumpf, a highly decorated, retired Navy SEAL, delivered a powerful talk on leadership. Members also heard from Greg Guidry, Ogletree Deakins, on recent developments in labor and employment law; John Grayson, Cokinos | Young, on dealing with contract issues; Tony Straquadine, INGAA Foundation; and Mark Bridgers on the groundbreaking 811 Emergency study (icpweb.org).
At the Annual APCA Associates Exhibit & Breakfast, contractor members learned about the latest products and services and discussed jobsite challenges with their fellow APCA members. A big topic this year, unsurprisingly, was how supply chain issues are affecting product availability.
APCA members meet next at the Mid-Year Meeting, Oct.5-9, at the Roosevelt in New Orleans. Learn more at http://www.americanpipeline.org/ or by following APCA on LinkedIn.
