April Speaker Panel - Kevin LaBauve, Jamie Rodriguez & Andy Drake

We are excited to announce an expanded format for our upcoming April luncheon! Joining us is a powerhouse panel of leaders to discuss the most critical issues facing the pipeline and energy infrastructure industry today. Fresh off their recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., our panelists will provide an "inside the beltway" update on permitting, workforce challenges, and the foundational role of pipelines in the modern economy.

Featured Panelists:

• Kevin LaBauve – President, American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) & Senior VP, WHC Energy Services

• Jamie Rodriguez – APCA VA Committee Member

• Andy Drake – President & CEO, Drake Group (U.S. Navy Veteran & East Texas Native)

Kevin LaBauve is Senior Vice President of WHC Energy Services leading Strategic Relations for the organization, bringing more than 35 years of experience in pipeline and energy infrastructure construction. He has held key leadership roles across operations and project delivery, supporting WHC’s growth into a nationally recognized contractor. WHC Energy Services specializes in large-diameter cross-country pipeline lays, midstream facility installations, and EPC delivery of large-scale renewable power projects. Kevin currently serves as President of the American Pipeline Contractors Association, representing open-shop pipeline contractors and service providers nationwide. He is also Chair of APCA’s Government and Industry Affairs Committee, where he is actively engaged on policy and regulatory matters affecting the pipeline construction industry.

Andy Drake is the President & CEO of Drake Group, a veteran-led global industrial medicine, safety, and security solutions firm company supporting pipeline, energy, and critical infrastructure projects worldwide. Born and raised in Bullard, Texas, Andy is an East Texas native and U.S. Navy veteran. Following his military service, Andy worked on pipeline projects, gaining firsthand experience in the field. After transitioning to the on-site medical services side of the industry, he consistently saw gaps in how medical support was delivered on pipeline projects—particularly in remote and high-risk environments. In response, he founded Drake Field Services to deliver more responsive, integrated, and operationally aligned medical and safety solutions. Today, Drake Group prioritizes workforce health and well-being while maintaining a strong focus on operational efficiency, safety readiness, and real-world jobsite execution.

Key Takeaways

1. Federal Permitting Reform Is the #1 Bottleneck

• The biggest issue discussed with lawmakers was how long and unpredictable federal permitting has become for pipeline and energy infrastructure.

• Delays aren’t just slowing pipelines — they’re driving up costs, stalling power delivery, and affecting downstream industries like data centers, mining, and manufacturing.

• A major concern is repeat litigation, even when projects ultimately prevail. These lawsuits can delay projects nearly four years on average, regardless of merit .

• The industry is pushing for clear timelines, better interagency coordination, and modernized permitting technology, not a rollback of environmental protections.

2. Pipeline Safety & Damage Prevention Are a Shared Priority

• Congress heard strong support for reauthorizing Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA), which is currently operating without a formal reauthorization.

• Increased excavation activity nationwide has raised the risk of accidental third-party strikes to underground infrastructure, costing the U.S. economy an estimated $61 billion annually.

• The industry is aligned around damage prevention initiatives like “50 in 5” — a goal to cut underground utility damage in half over five years.

3. Workforce Shortages Are Becoming a Capacity Risk

• The construction and pipeline industry needs:

  • ~350,000 new workers in 2026

  • ~450,000 in 2027

  • Over 320,000 new welding professionals by 2029

• Current apprenticeship programs are producing far fewer workers than needed, largely due to administrative friction.

• APCA emphasized support for:

  • Employer-led training

  • Short-term credentialing

  • Apprenticeships tied to real job placement

• APCA emphasized the importance of balanced labor policy that protects workers’ rights while allowing employers to staff projects efficiently and safely, especially as labor shortages continue to intensify

4. Pipelines Are Foundational to Other Booming Sectors

• One consistent theme in DC: pipelines aren’t a standalone industry anymore — they’re enablers.

• Lawmakers increasingly understand that data centers, mining operations, renewables, and manufacturing all rely on stable gas and energy infrastructure.

• Pipeline reliability = power reliability.