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.
Coalition Formed to Recruit, Train 500 New Truck Drivers
A coalition of trucking advocacy groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and employment website Indeed teamed up beginning May 2 to offer 500 full scholarships to members of the military and their spouses interested in obtaining a commercial driver license.
US Job Openings Rose Unexpectedly to Record 11.5 Million
U.S. job openings and the number of Americans who quit their jobs in March rose to record highs, indicating that employers continue to struggle to retain and hire workers.
Rivian Wins $1.5 Billion in State Incentives for Georgia Plant
Electric-pickup maker Rivian Automotive Inc. will receive $1.5 billion in state and local incentives to build a massive plant near Atlanta, bolstering the company’s production efforts despite local resistance to the project.
Diesel Surges 34.9¢ to All-Time Record $5.509 a Gallon
The national average price of diesel skyrocketed 34.9 cents to set an all-time record of $5.509 a gallon, according to Energy Information Administration data released May 2.
Amazon Workers in NYC Reject Union in a Reversal of Fortune
Amazon warehouse workers on Staten Island in New York City overwhelmingly rejected a union bid on May 2, dealing a blow to organizers who last month pulled off the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the retail giant’s history.
Senators Press USDOT on AV Tech
A group of senators recently asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for an update on efforts to regulate key aspects of autonomous vehicles.
Biden’s Team Puts Up Over $3 Billion to Boost Battery Output
The Biden administration will spend more than $3 billion to support the domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage, officials said May 2.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Drilling Makes Too-Little, Too-Late Comeback
A new wave of oil platforms is sweeping into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as crude prices are riding historic levels and demand for barrels is higher than ever.
Mexico to Route Rail Line Through New Mexico, Not Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s border crackdown is generating fresh backlash, with Mexico’s economy minister announcing that a new rail line to the U.S. would now go via New Mexico instead of the Lone Star State.
Employment Costs in US Increase by More Than Forecast
U.S. employment costs jumped by the most on record at the start of the year, heightening concerns about persistent inflation that set the stage for more forceful policy action by the Federal Reserve.