Defense

A strong national defense is critical to America’s continued security and safety. Every day, our nation faces unique and unpredictable challenges. Preparedness is not an option, it’s a necessity. The Department of Defense (DoD) supports programs that guarantee readiness at a moment’s notice.

Corrosion of military equipment is a major concern to DoD policymakers and the U.S. Congress. Not only does corrosion cost the DoD $20 billion annually, but it also threatens critical response time. In fact, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes, “Corrosion can affect military readiness by taking critical weapon systems out of action and creating safety hazards.” To combat this challenge, the DoD created the Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight (CPO) in 2003.

The CPO is tasked with providing oversight and coordination of corrosion control and prevention efforts for the department. In addition to strategy and coordination, the CPO funds training for servicemembers to protect DoD assets. The CPO is instrumental in preventing corrosion, and CPO projects have consistently demonstrated a high return-on-investment. To build on this progress, it’s essential that the DoD and Congress continue funding the CPO at adequate levels.

Energy

By investing in various forms of energy and expanding domestic production and transmission, the United States is making significant strides in energy independence and energy diversity. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in 2019 “U.S. energy exports were greater than total energy imports, and the U.S. became a net total energy exporter for the first time since 1952.”

To continue this path and ensure energy independence and security, policymakers must support a diversified approach encompassing several forms of energy – including nuclear, solar, clean coal, oil shale, hydropower, oil and natural gas, and renewable energy. Energy is vital to daily life, and we must ensure people’s access to energy is protected.

Corrosion is a primary threat to energy production and transmission. Unmitigated corrosion endangers safe and productive use of s pipelines, oil refineries, nuclear facilities, energy exploration, on and offshore windmills, and solar collection systems. Corrosion planning and maintenance are the cornerstone to asset integrity and resource protection, and policymakers must enact policies that fortify and build on this foundation. By focusing on sustainability, training, and safety, we ensure the longevity of American energy.

Environment

Protecting the environment is a fundamental mission to AMPP and AMPP members worldwide. Environmental protection is a central platform for all AMPP curriculums and training programs. Structures that prematurely fail have hazardous effects on the environment and are typically disposed of instead of being reconditioned, creating greater waste and necessitating more landfills.

There are several ways to protect the environment – including the selection of materials, the application of coatings, and the installation of cathodic protection systems. AMPP members design, implement, and maintain the most effective plans to protect structures and their surrounding environments. We apply our education, training, and experience to utilize the tools that best answer the challenges before us. We advocate to ensure these principles remain the cornerstone of environmental policies.

Maritime

An efficient and resilient Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to US national and economic security. Waterborne cargo and the associated activity contribute to nearly 3% of the US GDP and sustain over 10 million jobs. The associated MTS infrastructure, including the commercial and public vessels that use it, is at high risk for corrosion-related failure throughout its service life. Therefore, a safe and lasting MTS relies on materials that are protected against the decay and deterioration caused by corrosion and personnel with sufficient skills to make the right decisions in a timely manner. The use of the MTS is only going to increase and the utilization of assets past designed lifespans will only continue to grow.

The DoD, Department of Transportation (DoT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Interior (DoI) funding for maritime infrastructure grants and new infrastructure development, asset maintenance and repair, and personnel competencies must be developed and awarded with a total-cost-of-ownership approach, considering the impact of corrosion and the utilization of robust protective measures from the start

Transportation and infrastructure

Corrosion is a primary cause of the deterioration of roads, bridges and other structures that are crucial to everyday life. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), there are 185 million daily crossings on nearly 56,000 bridges in the United States that are considered “structurally deficient.” The state of our infrastructure is so poor, in fact, that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) grades our overall infrastructure a D+. ASCE estimates there is a current $2 trillion investment gap over the next 10 years. This is simply the cost to get our infrastructure where it should be, not to prepare for a sustainable future.

Comprehensive infrastructure legislation must emphasize corrosion control plans – including cathodic protection systems, high performance coatings, and materials selection – and the need for qualified personnel. Protecting bridges from corrosion will increase public safety and reduce the long-term cost of repairs. Additionally, investments in bridge maintenance will create and sustain thousands of good-paying jobs that can’t be exported.

Congress made a historic step with passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA); however, policymakers must ensure this investment is protected from the adverse effects of corrosion. We encourage Congress to reintroduce and pass the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act.

Veterans

America’s veterans have made the greatest sacrifice on behalf of our nation to protect and advance the notion of freedom throughout the world. Unfortunately, too many veterans are unable to find long-term employment in today’s economy. We must make improvements and invest in those who have invested in us.

Veterans deserve access to the best opportunities available. America’s veterans have unique skills, discipline and dedication which can be beneficial in all sectors. Congress holds the keys to adopt policies to ensure all veterans have access to good-paying jobs and the best training possible. To be successful these efforts must include opportunities in career and technical education.

AMPP supports programs that help veterans and their families with job training and placement assistance within the corrosion industry. We work with lawmakers and the DoD to improve and increase these efforts.

Water and wastewater

Water is our most precious resource, and it’s often taken for granted until it’s too late. Most of America’s water infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life. There are more than 155,000 public water systems, and, nearly half of these systems are in poor condition or have exceeded their designed life span. ASCE estimates that there are 240,000 water main breaks each year in the United States. Additionally, a New York Times article in 2010 estimates that “a significant water line bursts on average every two minutes somewhere in the country.”

Policymakers must reinvest in water infrastructure to ensure tragedies like Flint, Michigan never happen again. Sadly, a report published by USA Today noted that at least 2,000 water systems spanning across all 50 states have tested positive for excessive levels of lead contamination within the past four years, including 350 systems that supplied drinking water to schools or day care facilities.

These reports capture the problems and challenges we face; however, investing billions of dollars into updating infrastructure is only part of the solution. Any investment should emphasize corrosion management systems and - to counter what happened in Flint - the use of trained professionals to ensure corrosion control technology is properly installed and maintained. By following these principles, we improve public safety and save billions of dollars annually by extending the useful life of assets.

Workforce development

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is having severe consequences for America’s economy and workforce. With unemployment remaining at astonishingly high-levels, Congress must support efforts to help American businesses and workers. Legislation should provide businesses with access to loan and grant programs, and workers with access to job-assistance programs and benefits. This investment is essential for our economy to stabilize and rebound.

As we recover from the crisis, there should be a renewed focus on increased education and training. It’s clear, when Americans have access to more education and training, they have a higher chance of finding a good-paying job and building a long-lasting career. Increased education and skills lead to more opportunities, and that education does not need to come at a high price. In addition to four-year degrees, policymakers should increase opportunities for career and technical education.

Over the past several years, technical skills careers are rapidly increasing. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), there are “about 30 million ‘good jobs’ that pay a median income of $55,000 or more and require education below a bachelor’s degree.” Additionally, ACTE notes that “89% of manufacturers face talent shortages.” These statistics present a huge opportunity for Americans looking for new careers.

Opportunities in the corrosion industry remain high and are increasing. There are over 50,000 active NACE certifications worldwide, and demand for corrosion-certified professionals is rapidly growing. In most cases, an AMPP certification means more job opportunities with the possibility of career