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.
Fourth-Quarter GDP Rate Revised Down to 2.4%
The U.S. economy increased at a revised 2.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter, down from an originally reported 3.2% gross domestic product figure, the Commerce Department reported.
February 28, 2014Foxx Asks State Leaders to Help Push Obama’s Highway Plan
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx urged state transportation leaders Feb. 27 to help persuade Congress to pass President Obama’s plan to save the Highway Trust Fund and ramp up infrastructure investment across the country.
Nafta Surface Trade Grows 6.5% in December
Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico increased 6.5% in December, the Department of Transportation announced.
February 27, 2014Obama to Propose 4-Year Transportation Budget, Touts TIGER Grants
President Obama told a St. Paul, Minn., audience he will send a four-year transportation budget to Congress in March to help rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, a plan he said would provide jobs now and economic growth later.
February 27, 2014Businesses Urge Highway Bill to Help Freight Movement
Trucking and other industries that rely on highways to move goods pressed Congress again Feb. 26 to pass a fully funded, long-term surface transportation bill to improve the nation’s highways.
Boxer Calls for April Highway Bill Markup; Doubts Increase in Fuel Taxes
WASHINGTON — The Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee will begin markup of a multiyear highway-funding plan in April, and the legislation probably will not include increases in fuel tax rates, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), EPW’s chairman, told a group of state transportation officials.
US DOT Orders Shippers to Test Oil From Bakken Region Before Transport by Rail
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an emergency order requiring shippers to test product from the Bakken region in North Dakota and Montana to ensure proper classification of crude oil before it is transported by rail.
February 26, 2014House Bill Would Extend HOS Exemptions for Propane Haulers
Two Republican congressmen have introduced legislation they said would expedite propane deliveries during the current shortage by providing hours-of-service flexibility to truckers hauling the gas.
Colorado Senate Panel, House Pass Anti-Indemnification Bill
Colorado could become the 40th state to pass legislation protecting truckers against having to assume full liability for accidents, regardless of who is at fault.
Consumer Confidence Declines in February
Consumer confidence declined in February, the New York-based Conference Board said Feb. 25.
February 25, 2014