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.
Shippers to Pay $45 Million to Settle 2021 California Oil Spill Lawsuits
LOS ANGELES — Companies linked to two cargo ships accused of damaging a pipeline months before it ruptured have agreed to pay $45 million to settle lawsuits brought by business owners and residents.
Gasoline Shipping Costs Soaring After Russia Sanctions
The cost of moving gasoline and other fuels on ocean-going tankers is soaring days after sanctions targeting Russia’s petroleum sales.
DOT Investigating Elon Musk’s Neuralink Over Hazardous Shipping Claim
The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating Elon Musk’s brain implant company, Neuralink Corp., after an animal rights group said it obtained emails suggesting the startup did not follow proper procedure when shipping possibly hazardous materials.
White House to Release Budget March 9
Funding proposals for freight and commuter transportation programs will be unveiled as part of a larger budget plan on March 9, the White House announced recently.
FHWA to Start Funding Program to Lower Truck Emissions at Ports
The Federal Highway Administration soon will open fiscal 2022-2023 grant applications for its new Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities program, according to a Feb. 8 announcement by the Department of Transportation.
Republican Policymakers Spotlight Autonomous Vehicles’ Benefits
Approving a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles would facilitate the technology’s adoption throughout the national transportation landscape, top Republicans on a U.S. House committee indicated this month.
Reported Cargo Thefts Increased 20% in 2022
The transportation sector experienced an estimated 20% jump in reported cargo thefts amid changing criminal tactics in 2022.
Biden Highlights Infrastructure, Supply Chain at State of the Union
President Joe Biden touted infrastructure projects underway that will rebuild roads and bridges vital to the country’s supply chain during his State of the Union address Feb. 7.
South Dakota Technical Colleges Get Funds for CDL, Diesel Tech Programs
New equipment for diesel technology and commercial driver license training are part of the $10 million investment South Dakota is providing to four state technical colleges.
DOE Encourages 33 Regional Hydrogen Hubs to Compete in Final Funding Phase
The Department of Energy advised proposed consortiums backed by states and others competing for a share of $7 billion in federal funds for their regional hydrogen hubs to get their permits, cost projections and community outreach plans in order.