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.
Federal Regulators Modify Some Drug Testing Requirements
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reaffirmed, and in some cases tweaked, the agency’s oral fluid and urine drug testing requirements for federal safety-sensitive government employees, including truck drivers.
Biden Signs Postal Bill That Preserves 6-Day-a-Week Delivery
WASHINGTON — A sweeping overhaul of the U.S. Postal Service meant to shore up the popular but beleaguered agency’s financial future and cement six-days-a-week mail delivery was signed into law April 6 by President Joe Biden.
Robin Hutcheson Nominated for FMCSA Administrator Post
President Biden on April 6 formally nominated Robin Hutcheson to become administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Congressional GOP Leaders Critical of Biden’s Energy, Economic Strategy
The top Republican on the U.S. House transportation panel ramped up his criticism of the Biden administration’s response to rising fuel prices and bottlenecks along freight supply chains.
Connecticut Truckers Face Bill to Lower Emissions
Connecticut truckers are facing an uphill battle in opposing the governor's bill to improve air quality by imposing California’s stringent emissions standards on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Dems Accuse Oil Execs of Profiteering as War Strains Supplies
Congressional Democrats excoriated executives from some of the world’s biggest oil companies on April 6, accusing them of exploiting the war in Ukraine and a surge in crude prices to secure windfall profits at the expense of American motorists.
April 6, 2022House Lawmakers Introduce Trucking Workforce Bill
Legislation aimed at incentivizing individuals to join the trucking workforce was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
USPS EV Analysis Faulty, Rep. Maloney Says
The U.S. Postal Service used “faulty” assumptions in limiting its purchase of electric mail-delivery trucks in its $6 billion fleet replacement plan, a top House Democrat said April 5.
NHTSA Opens Probe Into LG Electric Vehicle Batteries
DETROIT — U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into electric and hybrid vehicle batteries after five automakers issued recalls due to possible defects that could cause fires or stalling.
Truckers Among Stakeholders Suing City Over Proposed Ballpark at Port of Oakland
A proposed multibillion-dollar ballpark and real estate development inside the Port of Oakland faces a new legal challenge by several transportation groups as the team’s ownership keeps open the idea of relocating.