Government

About Government News...

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.

Government

Congressional Transportation Leaders Tout White House Focus on Equity

Congressional transportation policy leaders endorsed the Biden administration’s aim at improving access to freight and commuter corridors through an enhanced focus on equity.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
April 18, 2022
Government, Business

Biden to Require US-Made Steel, Iron for Infrastructure

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is taking a key step toward ensuring that federal dollars will support U.S. manufacturing — issuing requirements for how projects funded by the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package source their construction material.

Josh Boak | The Associated Press
April 18, 2022
Government, Business, Technology

Congress Seeks Compromise to Boost Computer Chip Industry

WASHINGTON — A global computer chip shortage has made it harder for consumers to get their hands on cars, computers and other modern-day necessities, so Congress is looking to boost chip manufacturing and research in the United States with billions of dollars from the federal government.

Kevin Freking | Associated Press
April 18, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous

Rivian’s EV Factory Remains Constrained by Chip Shortage

Rivian Automotive Inc.’s “launch mode” is impressive — at least on its trucks. The assembly lines are perfectly capable of cruising speed; they just need more computer chips.

April 18, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Autonomous

NHTSA Opens Two Defect Investigations Into Tesla Autopilot

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has the authority to force recalls, has opened two formal defect investigations that could ultimately lead Tesla Inc. to have to retrofit cars and restrict use of Autopilot in situations it still can’t safely handle.

April 18, 2022
Government, Business, Logistics

Texas Halts Inspections That Led to Border Gridlock

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on April 15 repealed his traffic-clogging immigration order that backed up commercial trucks at the U.S.-Mexico border, after a week of intensifying backlash and fears of deepening economic losses.

Paul J. Weber | Associated Press
April 15, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

Trucking Stakeholders Offer Advice, Caution on EPA Proposal

The trucking industry urged federal regulators to consider how a proposal to tighten emissions limits on engines will affect motor carriers, as they’re the ones who will ultimately deploy the equipment subject to the new rules.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
April 15, 2022
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

ATA Calls on Texas Governor to Stop ‘Senseless Inspections’

The head of American Trucking Associations is calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to end the truck inspection initiative he recently launched at the state’s border with Mexico, chastising the plan for the crippling effect it is having on the economy, and trucking in particular.

Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter
April 15, 2022
Government, Business

Factory Output Rises More Than Forecast

U.S. factory production rose in March by more than forecast, marking the third straight month of gains that show steady progress for manufacturers against a backdrop of gradually improving supply chains.

Vince Golle | Bloomberg News
April 15, 2022
Government, Business, Logistics, TCA

Port Completes Project to Deepen Savannah River

SAVANNAH, Ga. — After decades of political wrangling and environmental roadblocks and nearly seven years of dredging muck from the river bottom, one of Georgia’s most anticipated economic development projects — the nearly $1 billion deepening of the Savannah River channel — finally is complete.

Michael E. Kanell | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
April 15, 2022