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.
Governors to Outline 2016 Priorities at Press Club Jan. 7
Govs. Gary Herbert (R-Utah) and Terry McAuliffe (D-Va.) will specify priorities for states in 2016 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 7.
Pa. Turnpike Tolls Increase by 6% Jan. 3
Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are poised to increase by 6% at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 3, impacting both cash and E-ZPass customers.
December 29, 2015Withdrawal of Proposed Wetlines Rule to Be Published
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced on Dec. 28 that the Federal Register will publish its withdrawal of a notice of a final rule requiring tank truck carriers who haul flammable liquids to either retrofit their existing tankers to protect their wetlines or install a system to purge product from those lines.
Rep. Reid Ribble Hopeful Truck Weight Issue Advances in 2017
The leading proponent in the House for increasing weight limits for trucks is hopeful a majority in Congress will back his effort in 2017.
State DOTs Might Soon Receive Old Earmark Funds
A little-noticed provision in the five-year transportation funding bill that became law on Dec. 18 might offer an unexpected funding bonus for state departments of transportation.
Rep. Richard Hanna Not Seeking Re-election
A leading critic of the way federal regulators have conducted a review of an hours-of-service restart rule announced over the weekend he will not seek another term in Congress.
December 22, 2015AASHTO Sets Roadside Safety Device Installation Schedule
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials announced its approval on Dec. 22 of a schedule for implementing the use of such roadside safety hardware devices as guardrails and crash cushions on the National Highway System that meet new crash-testing standards.
Missouri Senate Transportation Chairman Hopeful About Fuel-Tax Hike
Missouri’s 17-cent tax for both gas and diesel is among the lowest of any state and barely half of the nationwide average.
Consumer Spending in Third Quarter Paces 2% Economic Growth
The U.S. economy expanded at a revised 2% annualized rate in the third quarter, buoyed by consumer spending as businesses struggled to sell to overseas customers battered by sluggish growth.
FMCSA to Lower Random Drug Testing Level to 25% in 2016
The trucking industry will be able to randomly test 25% of its drivers for drug use during 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Dec. 21.
December 21, 2015