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.
ATA Files Brief in Support of Penske Meal Break Case
American Trucking Associations and Airlines for America on Feb. 9 filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of a request by Penske Logistics that the high court overturn an appeals court decision upholding California’s meal-break law.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: Fund Infrastructure Through Tax Reform
WASHINGTON — Revenue that would come from an overhaul of the country’s tax system should go toward rehabilitating the country’s aging infrastructure, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said at a high-profile chat at the Brookings Institution on Feb. 9.
Senators Pressing EPA to Set Renewable Fuel Standard for Biodiesel
Thirty-two senators have written a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy asking for quick approval of strong biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Gasoline Prices Rise for First Time Since June
The average price of regular gasoline at U.S. pumps rose for the first time since June, climbing 12.72 cents during the past two weeks to $2.1963 a gallon, according to Lundberg Survey Inc.
Obama Budget Request Includes 6-Year, $18 Billion Freight Plan
The fiscal 2016 White House budget request released last week anchors its transportation segment with a six-year, $478.26 billion surface transportation plan that includes an $18 billion freight program.
February 9, 2015California Court Awards $2.2 Million in Ruling for Pacer Cartage Drivers
A California state court has awarded seven drayage drivers for an XPO Logistics subsidiary $2.2 million in an ongoing battle over worker classification, which could intensify with further legal action.
February 9, 2015Members of Congress Tout Repatriation as Way to Boost Infrastructure Revenue
WASHINGTON — Talk of relying on repatriated revenue to pay for highway programs has gained considerable attention on Capitol Hill recently.
February 9, 2015Blumenauer Revives Effort to Boost Federal Fuel Taxes
WASHINGTON — Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) has reintroduced legislation put forth last year that would increase fuel taxes to pay for the nation’s aging transportation system.
February 9, 2015Obama Seeks $94.7 Billion for DOT, Proposes Safety Oversight Office
Safety and technology underpin the six-year surface transportation plan in President Obama’s $4 trillion fiscal 2016 budget.
February 9, 2015NTSB's Hart Warns on Changing Nature of Drug Problems
WASHINGTON — The nature of drug problems for drivers in general, including those who operate trucks and buses commercially, is changing, and fleet managers need to be aware, the acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board said.