Taft Energy partner Kodi Verhalen was quoted in a Popular Mechanics feature examining the long-hidden structural crisis at New York City’s Citicorp Center. Verhalen, former president of the National Society of Professional Engineers, provides perspective on engineers’ ethical duty to protect public safety, as well as the importance of listening carefully to concerns raised during the design and review process.

The article, “The Secret Mission to Save NYC’s 59-Story Citicorp Center,” revisits the engineering, safety, and professional-responsibility questions surrounding the now-famous episode. It details how crews secretly welded reinforcing steel plates over more than 200 bolted joints while the occupied building remained open, as well as the ensuing debate over disclosure, confidentiality, and the lessons the profession should draw from the incident.

Read the full article here.

Verhalen is a partner in Taft’s Energy & Utilities practice group who focuses her practice on a wide variety of electric and natural gas regulatory and transactional matters. In addition to her energy practice, Verhalen represents a variety of clients on a wide range of environmental matters and matters relating to the practice of professional engineering and engineering ethics. In her work, Verhalen often draws upon her technical understanding gained during her experience as a professional engineer.