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.
CBO Warns House Panel on Highway Trust Fund
WASHINGTON — A congressional subcommittee received a grim picture Tuesday of what lies ahead for the Highway Trust Fund if Congress and the White House do not find a way to pay for transportation before the fund is declared insolvent in 2015.
House Bill Would Keep Weight Allowance on Wisconsin Highway
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Monday that would let Wisconsin allow trucks over 80,000 pounds currently running on U.S. Highway 41 to continue using the road if it is designated as an interstate highway next year.
Senate Confirms Gina McCarthy as EPA Administrator
The Senate on Thursday confirmed President Obama’s nominees to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Labor, news services reported.
July 22, 2013Mass. Governor Vetoes Transportation Bill
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has vetoed a transportation funding bill, saying the state Legislature did not fulfill his request to offset a loss of tolls from the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Associated Press reported.
July 22, 2013FMCSA Shuts Down Three Chicago-Area Moving Companies
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shut down and fined three Chicago-area movers due to safety and consumer-protection violations.
Fed Beige Book Report Cites Uncertain Effect of HOS, Driver Shortage on Trucking, Economy
The U.S. economy improved at a moderate pace in the six weeks ended in early July, but shippers and trucking industry contacts cited caution about a shortage of truck drivers and the new hours-of-service rule, the Federal Reserve reported.
July 18, 2013Canada Names New Transport Minister
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper named Lisa Raitt, a conservative member of parliament, to be the country’s new minister of transportation.
July 17, 2013Ohio Turnpike Commission Approves 10-Year Toll Plan
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has approved a 10-year toll plan that’s expected to increase rates by about 2.7% annually for cars and trucks.
Officials Object to FMCSA Medical Data Proposal
Medical professionals and state driver licensing agencies objected to a proposal to require daily updates of commercial drivers’ physical exam information, telling federal regulators the system would be burdensome and costly.
Foxx Sworn In by Biden at DOT; Discusses His Family’s Connection to Trucking
Anthony Foxx was formally sworn in as secretary of transportation by Vice President Joe Biden, a week after initially taking the oath of office during a private ceremony.