Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 6

111 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 6 Members),” says Osborn. “We have Regular Members and Associate Members. The Regular Members include the union contractors actually carrying out covered work – performing construction or maintenance on mainline oil and gas transmission pipelines. Associate Members are typically individuals that support our Regular Members, such as vendors, equipment suppliers, and other service providers.” Collectively, these members and the wider pipeline industry face several challenges, including legal hurdles, safety issues, and an aging workforce. However, Osborn believes that the biggest challenge currently centers on opposition to fossil fuels in general. “Unfortunately in 2020, we had some promising projects that fell away because of opposition, whether from environmental groups or someone else,” he confirms.” I think the biggest challenge facing our industry right now is simply getting these projects built and purging ourselves of the negative atmosphere that can develop. When fossil fuels are used properly, I think they’re the lifeblood of the growth and advancement of our country. I don’t think industries or countries are ready to go totally renewable and I think it would have a devastating impact if that’s where we went right now. For the growth and prosperity of the entire world, we need stable, cost-effective sources of energy and that’s what our members try to supply.” Of course, escaping the negative perception that surrounds fossil fuels is not easy. At the THE P I PE L INE CONTRACTORS ASSOC I AT ION (PLCA) PLCA, it normally involves significant amounts of outreach and education. “We support many groups engaged in advocacy for natural gas and other fossil fuel projects but it can sometimes still be very difficult when those that hold the most extreme positions also have the loudest voices,” Osborn comments. “I think if people really took the time to dive into the facts and observe the things that our industry does – not only in terms of providing employment but also delivering a stable source of energy – then the perception of fossil fuels would be in a different place.” In the last 12 months, another challenge has reared its head for the PLCA to manage, as it has for every other organization… COVID-19. “We’re fortunate that people working in the field, in construction, for example, were able to continue working during the pandemic,” Worrell notes.