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, Trucking To Improve in 2014, Analysts Say
ORLANDO, Fla. — Trucking and U.S. economic trends continue along a familiar path of slow, steady improvement that is likely to carry into next year, three industry experts said
Illinois Planning Agency Approves Tollway
A tollway linking Illinois and Indiana was approved Oct. 17 by a planning agency that has criticized the proposed $1.3 billion expressway project in the past, according to the Chicago Tribune.
October 18, 2013Appeals Court to Hear EPA Engine Suit
Lawyers representing truck makers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will argue before federal appellate judges on Oct. 22 whether EPA acted correctly in addressing nonconforming engines made by Navistar Inc.
October 18, 2013Judge Allows Lawsuit Challenging Broker Bond Level to Proceed
A federal magistrate granted a request Oct. 17 by the Association of Independent Property Brokers and Agents to lift a stay in the group’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Senate Confirms NTSB’s Hersman for 3rd Term
The Senate on Oct. 16 confirmed Deborah Hersman for a third term as head of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Fuel Tax Should Rise 10 Cents, Says Former Transportation Secretary LaHood
Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Oct. 16 that Congress should raise fuel taxes 10 cents and index them in order to raise money to meet the nation’s transportation needs.
Economy Grows Modestly, Fed ‘Beige Book’ Says
The U.S. economy improved at a modest to moderate pace in the six weeks ended in early October, the Federal Reserve said.
October 16, 2013Obama Signs Law on Sleep Apnea Regulation
President Obama signed into law a congressional act allowing the Transportation Department to regulate sleep apnea testing and treatment for commercial motor vehicle drivers as long as the regulation is the product of a formal rulemaking process.
TWIC, Hazmat Background Checks Unaffected by Government Shutdown
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement background-check programs have not been affected by the government shutdown, American Trucking Associations officials confirmed.
House Panel Considers Freight Infrastructure Funding
Members of a House subcommittee heard testimony on funding freight transportation networks, including the experience of state transportation departments in Maryland and Virginia.