April 2021 Vol. 76 No. 4
Editor's Log
Editor's Log: Summing Up a Year: It’s a New Dawn
By Robert Carpenter, Editor-In-Chief
As I write my column for the April issue of Underground Construction (I’m late as usual), I’m working from Carpenter Tower – basically part of the second floor of my house.
For more than a year, my den/library/office (mancave) has served as the primary headquarters for the editorial trust of Underground Construction magazine and UCT, as well as Gas Utility and the UtiliTech Conference.
It’s hard to believe that a year ago I barely knew what Teams was and could only use Zoom if someone sent me a link. Now I use both regularly and interchangeably, even hosting the calls and scheduling meetings. It’s not unusual for my days to be filled with many such virtual calls. In one year, I’ve also attended more virtual events and webinars than all previous years combined.
Fortunately, I live in an area where my internet service (AT&T) is generally reliable and fast. It’s accommodated my needs for good working conditions and diverse entertainment options as we joined the “locked-down” crowd. However, there were two different times where our ancient telephone pedestal had significant issues: the first time we were out of service for several days, the second incident was only a day. The techs were somewhat frustrated as they twice rebuilt a pedestal that obviously needed to be replaced. Fortunately, like most people these days, we no longer have a land line, just cell service.
But of course, the internet can always be faster. We’re less than a mile from a main road with a fiber trunk line. In recent months, I’ve noticed telecom contractors stitching fiber lines around the neighborhoods, businesses and hospitals in the area. Reports are that in the near future, lines will be running through the neighborhood and we’ll be offered the opportunity to receive true fiber service to our homes. If the price is right, we’ll gladly sign up. Of course, price points are something telecoms still struggle with as they attempt to fiberize America.
We also survived the worst winter storm of the century for much of Texas. When the power went out and cell service with it, we thankfully had several LED-type lanterns that supplied light and a working fireplace. Still, reading by lamplight is not something I want to deal with again for any length of time. It was amazing how much we missed our utility services (thank goodness our fireplace and range were powered by gas). The storm and extended bitter cold clearly showcased how our current energy grid in Texas relied too much on renewables and not enough on gas. Thankfully, our weather is back to normal.
Major infrastructure stimulus discussions are now in full discussion mode with our Congressional representatives. While it looks like both sides of the aisle favor such an investment, the pay-off if going to be how to pay for it. There is enough opposition to running up the national debt any further that such a bill could probably never pass without clear means of funding. Of course, that brings up the old battle over tax increases. Our editor in Washington will follow closely.
About a year ago, we saw the oil market totally collapse, with prices actually falling into negative territory. Thanks to some strong capacity cutting and leadership by Saudi Arabia, combined with the rapid recovery of the U.S. economy, oil and gas have staged a miraculous comeback. Still, the battle with misguided environmental groups and political zealots pushing for complete “electrification” of all power consumption makes pipeline work tougher to come by for the time being.
Now, in April 2021, things are changing – and quickly. We’ve got three, highly effective vaccinations being dispensed. While starting off slowly, the U.S. is now exceeding 3 million vaccinations a day, virtually seven days a week. President Biden says he wants to hit 200 million vaccinations by May 1. With several states now having growing capacity, vaccinations are starting to be made available to anybody 16 and older. Increasingly experts are predicting we’ll easily and quickly blow by the President’s goal.
As COVID-19 infection and death rates continue to drop, states are opening back up to regular activities and businesses are getting back on their feet. The economy is beginning to purr. It’s time for us to dare inserting the long-absent word “normal” back into our vocabulary.
As I wrap up my meanderings, I can hear my aging dog Midas, a part-Corgi mix, snoring on the carpet of the mancave. Ever by my side, Midas has had three knee surgeries and one back surgery, but still gets around pretty well. Problem is I have to carry him up and down the stairs and he’s a bit portly. While man’s best friend is worth the effort, it’s time to reengage and give my back a break (no offense Midas).
Our company is opening back up to rotating days in April. The dog is going to miss me (and vice versa) when I commute to the office. But that’s what a return to normal is all about. I think we’re all ready to resume some normalcy in our lives.
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