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.
Sen. Cory Booker Introduces Trucking Safety Legislation
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) unveiled legislation July 10 that would increase minimum levels of insurance trucks must carry and called on the secretary of Transportation to mandate that truckers get paid for hours worked.
Commerce Committee to Mark Up 6-Year Transport Bill July 15
The Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled to take up a six-year highway policy measure on July 15 that would establish certain reforms at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
GOP Congressman Proposes Fuel Tax Increase
Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) introduced legislation that would raise federal fuel taxes by 10.1 cents per gallon, and index the new rate to inflation as a way to ensure the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.
Consumer Comfort Cools After Reaching Nine-Week High
Consumer confidence in the United States eased last week from its highest level since the end of April, reflecting subdued views of the economy and buying climate.
Senate Working Group Promotes VMT Program to Boost Trust Fund
Federal lawmakers should consider implementing a vehicle miles traveled pilot program nationwide as a way to boost dollars for infrastructure projects on a long-term basis, a Senate Finance Committee working group said in a report released July 8.
Administration Maintaining Focus on GHGs, EPA Chief Gina McCarthy Says
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama administration as a whole will continue to emphasize their campaign against climate change from carbon emissions, even if all aspects of useful technologies are not known at present.
Federal Standards Needed for Autonomous Technology to Excel, Volvo Executive Says
WASHINGTON — For autonomous driving technologies to continue to advance, lawmakers will have to approve federal standards that address various regulations at the state level, a Volvo executive told a Senate transportation panel on July 7.
Pitt Ohio to Begin Service in Louisville on Aug. 17
Less-than-truckload fleet Pitt Ohio announced plans to expand its service area Aug. 17 to include the Louisville, Kentucky, market.
July 7, 2015ATA Among Groups Supporting Sen. Deb Fischer’s FMCSA Reform Bill
Two leading trucking associations and a key safety group have expressed support for legislation recently introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) designed to reform the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulatory process.
Colorado Supreme Court to Review Lawsuit Calling Bridge Surcharge Unconstitutional
The Colorado Supreme Court has agreed to review a lawsuit alleging that a fee charged by state-authorized enterprise to finance, repair, reconstruct and replace Colorado bridges is an unconstitutional tax.