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.
Senate Sets Hearing on Foxx Nomination as DOT Secretary
The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing next week to consider the nomination of Anthony Foxx to become the next Transportation Secretary.
May 16, 2013Consumer Price Index Declines in April
The consumer price index fell 0.4% in April, the biggest downturn in more than four years, the Labor Department said Thursday.
May 16, 2013TWIC Biometric Reader Test Failed, GAO Says
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.
Judge Rules Against Toll Plan on Virginia Tunnels
A Virginia judge has ruled unconstitutional the state’s plan to begin tolling in February on two existing tunnels between Norfolk and Portsmouth to pay for construction of a third.
Maine Lawmakers Agree to Allow Speed-Limit Hike to 75 MPH
Maine’s Legislature has passed a bill that would authorize the state’s Transportation Department to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on any highway — higher than the 65 mph maximum limit in most of the state — as long as the department concludes that it is a safe speed.
FMCSA to Halt Reporting Rule for Trucks, Trailer Inspections That Find No Defect
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will propose a regulation later this year that would absolve truck drivers of their duty to file reports about truck and trailer inspections that do not find any equipment defects, a federal official said.
N.J. Lawmakers Approve Cargo-Theft Legislation
The New Jersey General Assembly approved legislation cracking down on cargo theft, according to a bill co-sponsor Assemblyman Dave Rible (R).
May 14, 2013Appeals Court Transfers Jurisdiction on ‘Conflict Minerals’ Case to Lower Court
A federal appeals court has ruled that a legal challenge to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “conflict minerals” reporting rule must first be adjudicated in a civil federal district court.
Proposal Would Require Same-Day Reports of Drivers’ Medical Results to Government
Medical professionals would be required to report the results of physical examinations of commercial drivers to the federal government on the same day as the exam under a regulation proposed last week.
May 13, 2013TSA Awards Contract to Triumph Enterprises to Train Drivers to Spot Terrorist Activities
The Transportation Security Administration has awarded a contract to Triumph Enterprises Inc. to continue a program, initially started by American Trucking Associations, to train commercial drivers to spot possible terrorist activities on U.S. highways, according to a memo obtained by Transport Topics.
May 13, 2013