The U.S. economy depends on reliable roads, bridges, transportation systems, maritime operations, energy generation, defense systems, water, and other infrastructure. Safe and lasting infrastructure relies on materials that are protected against decay and deterioration caused by corrosion.
CORROSION and COATINGS PAC is a critical element in a broad federal advocacy effort on behalf of corrosion control professionals and industry. Our members work tirelessly to increase corrosion awareness and develop legislative policies that affect the defense, energy, environment, transportation, and water industries.
Corrosion control is an important practice of the following industries:
Defense
All branches of the U.S. military’s assets and equipment have suffered from widespread corrosion problems. The Department of Defense (DOD) has recognized that corrosion is a major factor limiting the effectiveness and readiness of the nation’s military. In 2002, a government-funded cost of corrosion study gave NACE International the information it needed to educate Congress of the need for a national DOD Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight, which has successfully implemented strategies and executed plans to reduce the overall impact of corrosion on DOD assets.
CORROSION PAC supports policy that would expand the DOD corrosion control model to other federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Using the DOD model, other federal agencies are encouraged to develop agency specific corrosion control policies, improve agency corrosion maintenance and training, fully consider corrosion throughout the life-cycle of the agency’s assets, and engage with university science, technology, and engineering programs.
Energy
The corrosion control industry extends the longevity and reliability of the pipelines that transport crucial energy resources throughout the nation. Members of the NACE International Institute work to control corrosion on pipelines, at oil refineries, at nuclear facilities, at oil and gas exploration or production facilities, and with newer forms of energy sources, such as windmill structures.
CORROSION PAC recognizes fossil fuels will provide at least 50 percent of the world's energy supplies until 2035 and supports policies to improve efficiency and energy assets maintenance and investment in pipelines. We advocate for policies that increase energy efficiency and asset maintenance. Energy conservation and efficiency are among the policies supported by CORROSION PAC as part of a national energy strategy that incorporates a wide range of best practices and standards.
Environment
Protecting the environment is fundamental to corrosion science and a key part of the mission of the NACE International Institute. CORROSION PAC will work with policy makers to help protect the environment through the use of technologically advanced coating application and removal technologies, and to expand the role of corrosion control technologies in the safe transportation and storage of hazardous materials and waste.
We inform lawmakers about the benefits of corrosion control certification programs. CORROSION PAC encourages lawmakers to ensure any government-funded infrastructure project includes a corrosion control and long term, life-cycle maintenance plan. This ensures the protection of infrastructure assets from corrosion and lengthening the useful life of these assets, which protects the environment and saves taxpayer money.
Transportation
America’s transportation infrastructure is deteriorating. NACE Institute informs policy makers about the scope of the nation’s transportation infrastructure problems and of the federal government’s role in combating corrosion’s damaging effects on the nation’s estimated four million miles of roadway and 583,000 bridges which are structurally deficient due to corroded steel reinforcements.
CORROSION PAC advocates for corrosion control in the design, construction, and maintenance of all infrastructure assets related to transportation, aviation, automotive, shipping, railroads, and hazardous materials. Corrosion control policies must be an integral part of U.S. programs for highway capital improvements, design, construction, and maintenance. We support policies that place corrosion control at the center of any federal effort to repair or replace structurally deficient bridges, and policies to improve the capacity and efficiency of the highway system to meet public demand.
Additionally, the PAC advocates for policies that promote corrosion control and maintenance of the nation’s ports and waterways. The Marine Transportation System is an integral component of the nation’s intermodal transportation network and consists of waterways, ports, and intermodal connections that move people and goods on the water. CORROSION PAC promotes policies that require the Army Corps of Engineers to incorporate corrosion control on the Corps’ lock, pier, bulkhead, and retaining wall projects.
Water
Tragically, we’ve seen how corrosion in water distribution systems can have catastrophic consequences for communities across the United States. Every year, corrosion costs the drinking water and sewage industries over $36 billion. America’s water and wastewater infrastructure is aging and many water systems must increase their repair and rehabilitation budgets to protect public health and safety and to maintain environmental standards. CORROSION PAC supports legislation that requires corrosion control efforts to lower the cost of capital for water infrastructure projects.
Job Creation
The corrosion industry is growing and so are the job opportunities within the industry. Combined with this growth is an anticipated wave of retirements among long-time industry professionals. CORROSION PAC supports legislative initiatives that lead to job creation through increased investment in public infrastructure, training and qualification requirements, and incentives for investment in improved asset integrity.
The alliance will inform lawmakers about the advantages of requiring qualified professionals in the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure projects; and the benefits of providing incentives for businesses to hire trained and certified professionals for private sector projects.