Engineering is a dynamic profession because the environment is constantly evolving, as are the tools and the techniques used.  Those of us practicing at the professional level are, in fact, developing those tools and techniques in response to the changing environment.  The evolution in our field occurs when our work is published by professional societies and this trickles down to universities and other work environments. 

Adding a continuing education requirement adds a time and money burden that is in addition to doing research, publishing results, and working in the field.  Also, my experience with most continuing education programs is that they are designed for revenue generation to the provider, and generally provide no significant benefit to the attendee other than the credit.  A half-day seminar followed by a golf outing does not make me more qualified.  

PEs who do not keep up will not be able to find work.  PEs who continue to develop themselves will.  Government continuing education requirements do nothing to change this market truth.