Without looking at the particulars of the laws, I would suppose:
For the purpose of making engineering judgements about civil infrastructure, he has no qualification. That is, he is not a registered PE, for civil engineering purposes, and therefore for legal and civil purposes.
They're free to disregard good advice... that's up to them.
But, fining him for calling himself something he never asserted (namely, electrical engineer != civil engineer) is a bit over the top.
Hopefully the gov't is biting off more than they can chew, and things turn out for the best...
Tim