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.
Napolitano Stepping Down as DHS Chief
Janet Napolitano is resigning from her position leading the Department of Homeland Security, the Associated Press reported Friday.
July 12, 2013Senator Drops Objection to Vote on EPA Nominee
A key Republican senator said he is dropping a filibuster threat to block the nomination of Gina McCarthy to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
July 10, 2013Alabama Fuel Tax Discriminated Against Railroads, Appeals Court Rules
A federal appeals court ruled that Alabama discriminated against freight railroads by making them pay sales taxes on fuel that competing trucking and barge companies were not required to, the Associated Press reported.
July 9, 2013FMCSA to Waive HOS Rest-Break Requirement for Livestock Truckers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it will waive the new rest-break requirement for 90 days for truck drivers who are carrying live animals, because of the above-average temperatures forecast for the summer and fall in much of the United States.
Oregon Lawmakers Pass Voluntary Mileage-Based Tax Bill
Oregon legislators passed a bill that would create a voluntary program to phase in road-usage charges in lieu of the state’s gasoline tax, the (Salem, Ore.) Statesman Journal reported.
July 9, 2013PennDOT Eyes Bridge Weight Restrictions
The Pennsylvania General Assembly’s failure to pass a transportation package means the state will move forward in assessing 1,120 bridges that may have to have new or additional weight restrictions, according to Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch.
Kansas Transportation Officials Mull Tolls for Future Highway Needs
Transportation officials in Kansas, faced with growing congestion in metropolitan areas, are considering more tolls to keep traffic moving, the Kansas City Star reported.
July 9, 2013FMCSA Sets $1 Million to Train Veterans for Transportation Jobs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it is making almost $1 million in grants available to help train U.S. military veterans for jobs in the transportation industry.
July 3, 2013ISM Services Index Slips in June
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector declined in June but showed continued expansion, the Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday.
July 3, 2013Foxx Sworn in as Transportation Secretary
Anthony Foxx was sworn in as the nation’s 17th secretary of transportation Tuesday at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington.
July 2, 2013