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.
Rep. Blumenauer: Highway Bill Consists of ‘Collection of Budget Gimmicks’
Congress’ passage of its first five-year transportation bill in a decade, while significant, failed to ensure the long-term stability of a key highway account, said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), the leading advocate on Capitol Hill for raising federal fuel taxes to pay for infrastructure projects.
December 4, 2015FMCSA Grants Exemption for Windshield Placement of Lane Departure, Collision Avoidance Systems
Federal regulators have granted a two-year extension of an exemption allowing motor carriers to mount lane departure and collision mitigation system cameras lower in the windshields of commercial motor vehicles than is currently permitted by regulation.
Transportation Activity Declined in October and November, Fed Says
The overall economy increased at a modest pace in most regions of the country from late October to November, but transportation was softer, the Federal Reserve reported.
December 3, 2015Clinton Campaign Proposes $275 Billion Infrastructure Plan
Democratic presidential aspirant Hillary Clinton unveiled a $275 billion plan for investing in infrastructure nationwide over five years, paid for through business tax reform.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Releases $6.5 Billion Budget for 2016
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released its proposed $6.5 billion budget for 2016.
December 2, 2015CSA Reforms Included in Final Five-Year Highway Bill
Under a five-year highway bill unveiled Dec. 1, federal trucking regulators would be required to remove certain safety performance scores for motor carriers from public view until regulators reform the scoring program.
EPA Issues 2016 Renewable Fuel Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued its final volume requirements for renewable fuels in 2016 that call for a more than 10% increase in total renewable fuels from 2015 — with most of the increases in ethanol-based renewable fuels.
Quarter of US Bridges Deemed Deficient, GAO Says
Nearly one in four bridges in the country have been found to be deficient, with about 14% categorized as functionally outdated, according to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office.
December 1, 2015Video: Will Another Short-Term Highway Bill Be Needed?
Can a five-year highway funding bill be signed before Dec. 4 or is another short-term extension in the offing? CQ Roll Call's Kellie Mejdrich joins TT's Eugene Mulero for this video preview of the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
November 30, 2015Dec. 1 New Target Date for Unveiling of Long-Term Highway Bill
The final version of a highway bill that would set in motion reforms to a controversial safety performance scoring program for motor carriers, as well as back infrastructure projects nationwide for several years, likely will be unveiled Dec. 1, a senior House transportation panel aide told Transport Topics.
November 30, 2015