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.
Harper Says Canadian Railways Under Watch Over Grain Shipments
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated he is prepared to continue intervening in a railway system dominated by two companies in order to keep products such as grain moving for export.
Consumer Sentiment Declines in March to Four-Month Low
Consumer confidence declined in March to a four-month low as optimism about the U.S. economy was tempered by weaker income expectations and a rebound in gasoline prices.
Feds Say Americans Drove More Miles Last Year Than in Each of Previous Seven
Americans drove nearly 3.02 trillion miles last year, the highest number since 2007 and second-highest since data collection began 79 years ago, the Federal Highway Administration announced.
Senate Confirms Christopher Hart, Tho Dinh-Zarr for NTSB Spots
The Senate on March 12 easily confirmed Christopher Hart to be the full-time chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Bill Would Let States Collect Online Sales Tax
A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to allow states to collect sales taxes on online purchases, potential revenue that at least two states have directed to roads.
ARTBA Says Raise Fuel Tax 15 Cents, Give Taxpayers Rebates
The nation’s road builders have proposed that Congress hike the federal diesel and gasoline tax 15 cents a gallon and offset the cost for low- and middle-income people with tax rebates.
Science Group Urges Strong Greenhouse Gas Rule
The Union of Concerned Scientists wants two federal agencies to set a rigorous standard for improvement in their rule on greenhouse gas emissions by heavy- and medium-duty trucks, which is due by the end of March.
Teamsters, Safety Groups Sue DOT Over Opening Border to Mexican Carriers
The Teamsters union and two highway safety advocate groups have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Transportation over DOT’s recent decision to open the border to Mexican trucks.
Sen. Hatch: Hopeful For a Trust Fund Fix by May 31
WASHINGTON—Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said tax policy writers in the Senate are “working behind the scenes” to unveil a plan that would ensure long-term funding for highway programs, before a law authorizing such funding expires May 31.
Secretary Anthony Foxx to Speak at Council on Foreign Relations March 16
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx will be promoting his policy priorities when he speaks at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., on March 16.