The Fibre Optic Sensing Association (FOSA) announced the winners of its annual Champion of Innovation Awards. FOSA selected Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and John Katko (R-NY) based on their extraordinary leadership in the 117th Congress toward enhancing the safety and security of US critical infrastructure with advanced technology.
The award’s presentation to both honorees was made in Washington at the association’s annual member meeting.
“Representatives Katko and DeFazio both understand the positive contributions that technology makes to society,” said FOSA Chairman Kent Wardley of Fotech Solutions. “Both of FOSA’s honorees have promoted common-sense legislation advancing the adoption of promising new solutions.” As Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. DeFazio has been the leader in this Congress for introducing the INVEST Act and championing the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will provide long-overdue investments in our nation's infrastructure. Rep. Katko, Ranking Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, has been a tireless advocate for securing our nation’s borders and critical infrastructure.
“These awards are a token of our appreciation. We thank Representatives DeFazio and Katko for their leadership,” added FOSA Policy Chairman JJ Williams of OptaSense.
FOSA is a non-profit organisation created in Washington DC in 2017 with the mission of educating industry, government and the public on the benefits of fibre optic sensing. Through webinars, videos, white papers, public presentations and public policy advocacy, the organisation provides information on the use of fibre optic sensing to secure critical facilities, enhance public safety and protect the environment. FOSA Premier Member Companies include AP Sensing, Aselsan, Corning, Ditch Witch, Dura-Line, FEBUS Optics, Fotech Solutions, Graz University of Technology, Hawk Measurement, Hifi, NBG Fiber Optic Corp, NEC, Network Integrity Systems, NKT Photonics, OFS, Omnisens, OptaSense, OZ Optics, Prysmian Group, Sensonic, Senstar, Smartpipe Technologies, Terra Sound, and the University of California - Berkeley.
Image: (right to left) FOSA Public Policy Chair JJ Williams, OptaSense, Committee Congressman John Katko (R-NY) and FOSA Chairman Kent Wardley, Fotech.
Read the latest issue of World Pipelines magazine for pipeline news, project stories, industry insight and technical articles.
World Pipelines’ December 2021 issue
The December issue features a global roundup of pipeline activity, technical articles on HDD, pipeline isolation and coatings, and a feature on digitalisation. Westwood Global Energy Group also provides a forecast for the global onshore pipeline installation market.