Senate Panel Approves DOT Issuing Speed Limiters Proposal in Fiscal 2017 Transportation Bill
WASHINGTON — Legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to advance a proposal on speed limiters for trucks was approved by a Senate panel April 21.
The Appropriations Committee, by a vote of 30-0, reported to the Senate floor a $56 billion fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill that calls on DOT to be quick in issuing a long-awaited proposed rule on speed limiters for motor carriers.
A segment of the trucking industry backs a proposal requiring speed limiters. Last month, Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx told Senate funding leaders a proposed rule on the matter was forthcoming this month. The speed limiter proposal would look to decrease fatal crashes on roadways.
Overall, the funding legislation would provide nearly $900 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, $644 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s safety initiatives, $525 million for an infrastructure grants program and $259 million for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
“This bipartisan bill makes important investments in our nation’s infrastructure,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chairwoman of the transportation funding committee.
“The new funding and policies in this bill will help improve the safety of our roads,” added Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the transportation funding panel.
The committee adjourned without engaging in debate over trucking policies related to the allowable workweek schedules for truckers. Collins has indicated the bill would set at 73 hours the allowable hours per week truckers may work before taking a break. Transport Topics is reviewing the trucking provisions in the legislation.
