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.
Economy Continues to Expand, But Truck Drivers Remain Scarce, Fed Says
The economy continued to expand across most of the country from early January to mid-February, but regions reported difficulty in filling openings for truck drivers, the Federal Reserve said.
March 4, 2015Senate Fails to Override Obama's Keystone Veto
The U.S. Senate failed to override President Obama’s veto of a bill forcing approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, a setback for Republicans who have made building the $8 billion U.S.-Canada oil link a legislative priority.
Chamber of Commerce Executives Press Congress On Transportation Bill
Two hundred fifty Chamber of Commerce executives from across the country wrote to Congress asking it to address the near insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund by passing a long-term transportation bill.
CBO Tracks Decline in Infrastructure Investment
Public spending on transportation and water infrastructure has gradually declined from a high of 3% of Gross Domestic Product in 1959 to 2.4% of GDP in 2014, according to a new report from the Congressional Budget Office.
Ford Unveils Medium-Duty Trucks Updated With New Telematics System
INDIANAPOLIS — Ford Motor Co. introduced a redesigned lineup of medium-duty trucks here that includes dedicated tractor models in two weight classes, and an updated telematics suite.
FMCSA's Scott Darling Says Term as Acting Administrator Ends March 23
Scott Darling revealed that his tenure as acting administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will expire March 23 and that the White House is working on a permanent selection. Darling did not confirm if he was among the candidates.
Anthony Foxx Announces New Pilot Program to Facilitate Hiring in City Neighborhoods
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has proposed a new pilot program to explore ways to make it easier for states and cities to require that contractors on federally funded projects hire local workers and veterans.
FMCSA Moves Up Projected Publication Date for Final ELD Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a supplemental report restoring Sept. 30 as the expected publication date of its final electronic logging device rule, moving it up from Nov. 9.
GAO Says Federal Government Should Study State Permitting Processes to Find Best Practices
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has recommended that the Department of Transportation study states' permitting practices for oversize and overweight truckloads, then pinpoint the best practices and share them.
Anthony Foxx Continues Promise of ‘New and Improved’ Grow America Bill
WASHINGTON — Days after House Republicans called his budget request a “fantasy,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told a Senate panel that the White House will soon unveil a “new and improved” transportation funding plan.
March 2, 2015