6. Think about engineering in the context of disaster policy. Are U.S. disasters often a manifestation of failed infrastructure that is poorly engineered, poorly maintained, and poorly designed for the hazards the structures are likely to face over their operating lives? Has the federal disaster infrastructure rebuilding policy been hijacked by state and local officials, as well as by the contractors, in such a way that subnational governments engage in moral hazard to exploit federal reconstruction relief?

How has engineering helped mitigate disasters, and how have engineers pressed the public and their elected officials to act on their mitigation recommendations? How do environmental and structural engineers engage the political process, and do disasters give them any advantage in this engagement?