Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
Trump Seeks to Open Most US Coastal Waters to New Drilling
The Trump administration is proposing to open almost all U.S. coastal waters to oil drilling, including those off California and Florida where activists have fought for decades to spare delicate ecosystems from oil spills.
January 4, 2018Sen. Schumer, Teamsters Push for Bill to Cover Pensions
Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Peter King joined Long Island Teamsters Jan. 2 in calling for union pension shortfalls to be funded through Treasury bonds tied to the federal budget.
Truck Drivers, Delivery Workers Incurred Highest Number of Fatalities in 2016
Delivery workers and truck operators incurred the greatest number of fatal workplace injuries in 2016, according to a December report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
FMCSA to Phase In Multiyear Plans for State Grant Program
FMCSA announced Jan. 4 that some states will start using multiyear commercial vehicle safety plans when carrying out projects made possible by the agency’s largest grant program supporting states.
California Bill Seeks Ban on Fossil-Fueled Vehicles by 2040
California would ban the sale of new cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels in 2040 under legislation introduced Jan. 3 in the state legislature.
Transport Topics’ Eugene Mulero Talks Infrastructure on C-SPAN
Transport Topics reporter Eugene Mulero talked infrastructure as a guest on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” program Jan. 4.
January 4, 2018FMCSA Reduces Registration Fees for Commercial Vehicles in 2018
FMCSA has finalized plans to reduce commercial vehicle registration fees by 9.10% in 2018, and by 4.55% in 2019.
Comment Period About to Close on Hotly Debated Glider Provision Repeal
WASHINGTON — To the Environmental Protection Agency, the trucking industry and clean air advocates, semi-trucks outfitted with glider kits represent a new front in the debate over government regulation. And this week happens to be a key week for deciding how and whether trucks like these can continue to be made and sold.
Missouri Gas Tax Increase May Land on Ballot After Task Force Report
A panel set up by Missouri lawmakers wants Missouri voters to raise the state’s gasoline tax by a dime per gallon to help maintain one of the nation’s most extensive highway networks.
Bipartisan Human Trafficking Legislation Advances to White House
Bipartisan legislation designed to exclude from the trucking industry those involved in human trafficking was advanced to the White House Dec. 21.