What civil engineers are reading this week

• Can the federal gas tax keep up with electric vehicles?

  A proposed EV tax was nixed from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” meaning the vehicles still won’t contribute to roadway infrastructure projects. And with the gas tax frozen since 1993, the Highway Trust Fund faces headwinds.

• Researchers develop new membrane technology to extract lithium from water

  Most lithium, which is ideal for electric vehicles, cellphones, and laptops, comes from hard-rock mining and salt lakes in just a few countries, leaving supply chains vulnerable.

• Live updates: Texas intensifies search for flooding survivors as toll passes 80

  In one county alone, 68 have died, of whom 28 are children. Officials say 10 children are still missing from Camp Mystic. Slow-moving thunderstorms today carry the risk of more flooding.

• New certification helps pipeline engineering–water specialists demonstrate their proficiency

  The only professional credential developed by civil engineers for civil engineering, ASCE’s Civil Engineering Certification now offers a new "BC.PLW" for pros in water pipeline engineering.  

• Time-lapse video shows speed of Texas floods

  A video from the scene in Texas shows how quickly floodwaters rose in the Llano River, engulfing a road within minutes.

• ASCE-NOAA workshop makes a business case for enhancing infrastructure resilience

  A rare gathering of engineers, economists, financiers, and climate scientists joins forces to brainstorm new approaches at the third annual workshop collaboration of ASCE and NOAA. What are the next steps?