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.
Economy Grew at 2.3% Rate in Q3, Up From Earlier Estimate
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a 2.3% rate in the third quarter, slightly better than previously thought, the Commerce Department said Dec. 22. But prospects for a solid rebound going forward are being clouded by the rapid spread of the latest variant of the coronavirus.
New Jersey Adopts Clean Truck Rules
State Environmental Protection officials adopted Advanced Clean Truck rules Dec. 20 that would make New Jersey the first East Coast state to require phasing in of electric commercial trucks to reduce air pollution and the diseases it causes.
NHTSA: Highway Safety Programs Receive $260 Million in Grants
Federal programs aimed at improving safety along the country’s highways will receive a boost in funding, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently indicated.
ATA Leadership: 2021 Brought Trucking Several Key Victories
The trucking industry will look back on 2021 as a year of important victories for infrastructure improvement and workforce development, and now can look ahead to the opportunities those victories present, leaders from American Trucking Associations said.
Diesel Drops 2.3¢ in Fifth Straight Decline
The national average price of diesel slid 2.3 cents to $3.626 a gallon in the fifth consecutive decline, according to Energy Information Administration data released Dec. 20.
December 20, 2021Meera Joshi to Leave FMCSA for NYC Role
FMCSA Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi has been selected by New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams to be that city’s deputy mayor for operations, a move that spells the end of Joshi’s nomination to become leader of the federal safety agency.
Biden Boosts Fuel Economy Standards to Fight Climate Change
WASHINGTON — In a major step to fight climate change, the Biden administration is raising vehicle mileage standards to significantly reduce emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases.
Severe Weather Closes Southeast Asia Ports
Severe weather disruptions hit Malaysia and the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction among nations most prone to natural disasters.
Appeals Court OKs Private Employer Vaccine Mandate
A federal appeals court panel on Dec. 17 allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead.
Biden Crude Oil Release Moves Into Second Round
The Biden administration’s release of crude from U.S. emergency reserves to cool oil’s rally is going into a second round, with bids due by the first working day of the year.