I believe that most practicing engineers have a hard enought time in the consulting world just doing the work, researching the topics required and getting new work.  Then there is paying the liability insurance other taxes besides collecting for the work accomplished.  I go to the internet constantly for information concerning my projects and to keep up with the latest technology, I have to to keep clients and to accomplish the work. 

This continuing education is a requirement of my insurance company already and I feel that most of the classes other than a few were a waste of time.  I would ask that you not approve this new burdensome set of education requirements since it comes at a time when our industry is struggling as it is with the housing meltdown.  I truly believe that most engineers do the right thing and learn what is needed. 

If they dont there is always the ultimate waste of time and that is legal action against the ones that don't.  I graduated from UVA in 1976 and received my licence in the late 70's and have always been proud of it but we are losing many our older PE's each day.  I am afraid that this new burden will cause many more to just hang it up and retire, the straw that broke the camel's back concept.  PE's within industry that have them and dont need them to practice will also most likely also give up on them. 

The increased fees over the years for the personal and businees side along with the increase liability insurance rates have been enough.  People complain now that there are not enough of us to go around and that will continue to drive up the costs of engineering for the common person.  That would be the true shame since people need us in an era where structures get more and more complicated and the construction labor force becomes less and less educated in both the trade and speaking our native tougue.