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. Peter DeFazio Favors Passing Temporary Funding Bill in March
WASHINGTON — Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he believes Congress cannot deliver a new transportation funding bill by the end of May and should pass a temporary funding extension as soon as possible.
Fuel Price Decline Fails to Ripple Through Economy as Cost of Goods and Services Rise
The recent slump in fuel prices is so far failing to ripple through the U.S. economy as the cost of services such as rents climbs, bolstering the Federal Reserve’s view that inflation will eventually reach their goal.
Anthony Foxx Is Told Fiscal 2016 Budget Request Is ‘Fantasy’
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx’s fiscal 2016 budget pitch to House Republican funding leaders fell flat after several key lawmakers said they would not support the proposal.
February 25, 2015Anthony Foxx to AASHTO Members: Push Congress for Long-Term Transportation Plan
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx urged state transportation officials meeting here to lobby their members of Congress on the necessity of passing a long-term surface transportation program that will facilitate expansion of the nation’s economy and population.
Senate Panel Calls for Hearing on Truck Safety, FMCSA Regulations
Scott Darling, acting administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is scheduled to appear March 4 before a Senate subcommittee that has jurisdiction over trucking regulations.
Inhofe: EPW Focused on Highway Bill Reauthorization, Not Extension
WASHINGTON — A Senate transportation panel will unveil a multiyear highway bill before there is a need to approve a short-term extension of funding authority for highway programs, which expires in late spring, the panel’s chairman told Transport Topics on Feb. 25.
Iowa Fuel Taxes to Rise 10¢ March 1
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has signed a bill that raises state diesel and gasoline taxes by 10 cents per gallon as of March 1.
Mileage Tax Builds Momentum as Alternative to Gas Tax
WASHINGTON — It is only a matter of time before the gas tax will have to be phased out and replaced with a tax on miles traveled to support the nation’s roads, said a room full of transportation policy officials and their congressional allies who met here Feb. 24.
Rep. Jeff Denham: ‘Get Creative on Multiple Solutions’ to Fund Highway Bill
WASHINGTON — A multiyear highway bill would need to include outside-the-box funding proposals for a broad coalition in Congress to support it this year, Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), a top transportation authorizer in the House, said Feb. 24.
President Obama Vetoes Keystone Pipeline Bill
President Barack Obama issued the third veto of his presidency Feb. 24 to reject legislation that would allow the Keystone XL pipeline to be built, escalating a battle over the project between the White House and Republicans in Congress.