Government

WASHINGTON — A top Senate Democrat is urging U.S. anti-pollution standards that would follow a deal brokered by California with five automakers and then set targets to end sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, a goal that reaches further than President Joe Biden’s climate plan.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced April 28 the launch of a survey meant to offer an idea of constituents’ perceptions and knowledge of automated vehicles.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Republican state lawmakers, along with trucking and food-distribution executives, on April 28 declared war on Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed regional climate initiative and user tax for heavy trucks on state highways.

Reacting to President Joe Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress, Sam Graves, the top Republican on the U.S. House of Representatives’ transportation committee, called on Democrats to pursue a bipartisan approach to legislating.

WASHINGTON — Powered by consumers, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a show of strength fueled by government aid and declining viral cases that could drive further gains as the nation rebounds with unusual speed from the pandemic recession.

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a lower court’s preliminary injunction that blocked the immediate implementation of California’s Assembly Bill 5 law, which motor carriers have claimed would make use of independent contractors next to impossible.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a new record in March as the value of imports surged to a fresh high.

Two of the key drivers of autonomous vehicle policy in Congress again touted its potential safety and economic benefits during a hearing with stakeholders.

Motor carriers and independent contractors in written comments expressed objection to a U.S. Department of Labor proposal to withdraw a rule designed to clarify the federal standard for determining if a truck driver is a contractor or employee.

Oil advanced to the highest intraday level in more than a month as a combination of declining U.S. petroleum product supplies and signs of stronger demand buttressed expectations for a revival in global consumption.