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.
FHWA Plans Listening Session Next Week on Truck Size and Weight
The Federal Highway Administration has scheduled its first public outreach session to gather input for its study on the safety and infrastructure implications of increased truck size and weight limits.
Report Questions Effectiveness of TWIC After Biometric Card Readers Fail Tests
The Transportation Security Administration’s $23 million pilot test of Transportation Worker Identification Credential biometric card readers at 17 sites failed to prove that the technology actually works as intended, according to a new government report.
May 20, 2013Bills Aim to Raise Infrastructure Funding by Lowering Taxes on Overseas Profits
A Republican senator and a Democratic representative are each proposing to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure by giving tax incentives to U.S. corporations to bring overseas profits home.
May 20, 2013Obama Signs Order to Boost Infrastructure Projects
President Obama signed an executive order that will shave months, or even years, off the time it takes to review and approve major infrastructure projects.
May 17, 2013Maryland Gov. Signs Gas Tax Bill
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) signed into law the state’s first gas tax increase in 20 years and announced $1.2 billion in transportation projects, the Associated Press reported.
May 17, 2013Consumer Confidence Rises in May
Consumer confidence rose in May, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index released Friday.
May 17, 2013Groups Criticize FMCSA Over Mexican Trucks in Cross-Border Program
Four groups opposing the federal government’s program that allows some Mexican trucking companies to travel throughout the United States sharply criticized the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, saying the agency is allowing unsafe companies into the cross-border pilot program.
Letter to the Editor: Boston and America
The Boston Marathon bombing showed American courage and spirit as exemplified by the marathon runners, spectators and the first responders, who, rather than running away from the bombing scene, ran directly into it to help the injured.
May 17, 2013N.C. House Votes Unanimously to Ban I-95 Tolls
The North Carolina House voted unanimously to ban tolls on any existing interstate highway, which would end the state’s plan to toll Interstate 95.
Minnesota Trucking Association Blasts Proposed Warehousing Tax
The Minnesota Trucking Association criticized a legislative proposal to put a tax on warehousing services in the state, saying it would harm the state’s economy and kill jobs.