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.
Diesel Price Falls 4.2¢ to $3.656; Gas Lowest Since January 2011
The U.S. diesel average fell 4.2 cents a gallon to $3.656 last week, its biggest decline in a year and a half, the Department of Energy reported Oct. 20.
October 27, 2014Resale Market for Used Natural-Gas Trucks Offers Fleets Lower-Priced Alt-Fuel Options
Buyers wary of paying a premium for brand-new alternative-fuel vehicles are lifting the nascent market for previously owned natural gas-powered trucks, industry experts said.
October 27, 2014Key House Democrat Faces Tough Re-Election Battle
Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, remains in a tight re-election campaign, and that outcome could affect legislation critical to trucking.
October 27, 2014Experts Say GOP Gains in House Could Boost ‘Devolution’ Efforts
If Republicans retain control of the House in the midterm elections, as political observers are projecting, it could provide a boost to tea party-backed legislation designed to enhance states’ responsibilities over transportation planning.
October 27, 2014Plummeting Fuel Prices Spark New Debate on How States Can Protect Tax Revenues
While lower gasoline and diesel prices are providing U.S. commuters and truckers money to spend elsewhere, state officials said it is forcing them to cope with lower revenues.
October 27, 2014Voters to Decide on Setting Up Bank to Repair Louisiana’s Roads, Bridges
Louisiana will vote Nov. 4 on a constitutional amendment that backers said is necessary if the state is to create an infrastructure bank to finance road projects.
October 27, 2014Congestion Costs Escalating for Nation, New Infrastructure Report Says
Congestion on the nation’s highways will cost Americans $276 billion annually by 2020, according to a new report from the BlueGreen Alliance, a coalition of labor and environmental groups.
Nafta Trade Rises 4.4%
U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico rose 4.4% in August to $100.6 billion from a year ago, the Department of Transportation reported Oct. 23.
FMCSA Extends Hours-of-Service Exemptions During Fuel Shortages
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Oct. 22 issued a final rule allowing states to extend hours-of- service exemptions up to 90 days in times of acute fuel shortages.
Consumer Prices Rise 0.1% as Inflation Remains Muted
The consumer-price index climbed 0.1% after decreasing 0.2% in August, a Labor Department report showed in Washington.
October 22, 2014