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.
Rhode Island Trucking Group Blasts Senate-Approved Toll Plan
A plan approved by the Rhode Island Senate on June 23 to charge tolls to large commercial trucks that includes some tax rebates and grants for mostly local truckers is “discriminatory, sloppy and lacks information,” according to head of the state’s trucking association.
June 24, 2015Senate Sends Fast-Track Free Trade Bill to Obama
The Senate sent President Obama legislation granting fast-track trade-negotiation authority, a hard-fought victory intended to aid completion of an agreement with Pacific nations that is a top second-term priority.
EPW Panel Advances 6-Year Highway Bill to Full Senate
WASHINGTON — A Senate panel on June 24 easily approved a six-year highway policy bill, advancing the measure to the full Senate. Lawmakers would need to act quickly on the bill as federal funding authority for transportation programs expires at the end of July.
Consumers Help GDP Contract Less Than Last Estimated
The world’s largest economy shrank in the first quarter, just not as much as previously estimated, with the help of a bigger gain in consumer spending.
Senate Panel Advances Fiscal ’16 Transportation Bill With ELD, Speed Limiter Requirements
WASHINGTON — A Senate subcommittee easily advanced on June 23 a fiscal 2016 funding bill that would require the Department of Transportation to complete its final rule on electronic logging devices and its proposed rule on speed limiters.
Senate Advances Trade Promotion Authority Bill
The U.S. Senate approved legislation June 23 that would give President Obama enhanced authority to complete free-trade deals, including a landmark agreement with Pacific nations.
Senators Unveil 6-Year Transportation Policy Bill
The leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee introduced a six-year transportation policy measure June 23 that would pave the way for improvements along freight corridors and highway infrastructure projects.
Radioactive Material Drivers Granted Rest Break Exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted the U.S. Department of Energy an exemption allowing its drivers who haul security-sensitive radioactive material to forgo an hours of service 30-minute rest break requirement.
Senate Confirms Daniel Elliott to Surface Transportation Board Reappointment
The Senate on June 22 easily confirmed the nomination of Daniel Elliott for a reappointment on the Surface Transportation Board.
Senate Panel to Mark Up 6-Year Highway Bill June 24
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has scheduled a markup on June 24 of legislation that would reauthorize highway programs.