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.
Wisconsin Using Grants to Reduce Crashes
For a third straight year, Wisconsin’s State Patrol has received federal and state funding in hopes of continuing to reduce large truck crashes in the state. The yearlong grants of nearly $500,000, which boosted the three-year total over $700,000, took effect Oct. 1.
Regulators Announce Date for Greenhouse Gas Phase 2 Final Rule
A rule aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from heavy- and medium-duty trucks will take effect in two months, federal regulators announced Oct. 25.
October 25, 2016Richard Carlson Elevated to Permanent Kansas DOT Chief
Richard Carlson, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation since Mike King resigned under fire on July 15, had the acting part of his title removed by Gov. Sam Brownback on Oct. 24. However, the State Senate still must confirm the appointment.
FMCSA Panels Advance Sleep Apnea Recommendations
Two Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advisory committees forwarded on Oct. 24 a slate of comprehensive moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea risk factor recommendations that the agency could use in a formal regulatory requirement for truck and bus drivers to submit to costly diagnostic sleep studies.
New Jersey Senators Hope to Repeal Fuel-Tax Hikes
Just six days after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed the compromise gas-tax legislation into law, two of his fellow Republicans introduced a bill on Oct. 20 to repeal it.
House Chairman Defends Federal Transportation Agency During Debate
LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — The top transportation policymaker in the U.S. House rejected the notion of devolving transportation authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation to state agencies during a debate with a tea party-backed opponent at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus on Oct. 21.
Minnesota, Wisconsin Celebrate New I-90 Bridge
Officials from the Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of transportation along with elected officials celebrated the dedication of the new Dresbach Bridge over the Mississippi River on Oct. 21.
Opinion: The Real Cost of Regulations for Small Carriers
Economists often speak of a “regulatory drag” on our economy related to the costs associated with the many regulations passed over the years.
October 24, 2016Congress’ 2017 Transport Agenda Murky With Committee Leaders in Tight Races
In this election cycle, senior transportation policymakers, including House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), chairman of the Railroads subcommittee and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a senior member of the Commerce Committee, are scrambling to hold on to their seats.
Appeals Court Rejects Obese Driver’s Claim That He Needn’t Submit to Sleep Apnea Test
An appeals court has rejected claims by an obese truck driver that he should not have been required by his employer to submit to a sleep study to determine if he had obstructive sleep apnea.