As a registered Professional Engineer in VA (since 1980) and NC (since 1996), I am required to have 15 "contact" hours of continuing education each year in NC, and none in VA.  I received my undergraduate degree (BS CE) in 1976, and my Masters in Engineering Mgmt in 1991.  Much has changed in the fields I work in since those degrees were obtained.  I feel it is my "obligation" to keep current in order to do the best I can for those I serve.  If the system implemented allows for the same hours to be counted towards both my P.E's., I feel it will be fair and equitable.  Many of those who have commented thus far seem to feel that it is an "extra" and unwarranted burden, but many states already have such a requirement in place, and many other licensed disciplines (CPA's, for example) are required to have such Professional Development training each year.  In North Carolina, many organizations - PENC, AWWA, APWA and others - provide this "vetted" training several times during the year.  In addition, national conferences - the Nationalk Hurricane Conference - for example, provide training opportunities to obtain these required hours.

I think it would make our profession more respected and better able to serve the needs of our "clients" whether we are consultants, serve in the public sector, or practice engineering in another manner.