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.
Congressional Democrats Push Rail Safety Bills
To mark the anniversary of a freight train derailment in Ohio, policymakers renewed calls for approving a legislative response as the industry highlights safety improvements.
Republican Lawmakers Target FHWA Rule
Senior Republicans are seeking to undo emissions targets the Federal Highway Administration is requiring of state transportation agencies.
Congressional Republicans Continue EV Pushback
Senior congressional Republicans called on GOP leaders in the House and Senate to deny funding that would be used to advance proposals associated with electric vehicles.
FMCSA: FTC Proposal Should Include Truck Towing Provisions
FMCSA filed comments in support of an FTC proposed rule banning junk fees that trucking regulators have argued should include provisions to mitigate predatory truck towing.
Planned Savannah Private Port Terminal Stokes Traffic Fears
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The planned SeaPoint marine terminal east of downtown Savannah is spurring concerns about port-related traffic overwhelming the streets and rail tracks in the area.
Shipping Officials: Supply Chain Equipped to Deal With Attacks
The world’s critical shipping lanes are facing a group of modern-day “Barbary pirates” with the recent violence in the Red Sea, according to Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel.
Maersk Warns of Slowdown Once Freight Boost Fades
A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S shares plunged after the company said it expects renewed gloom in the industry this year when the current boost to freight rates from the Red Sea conflict evaporates.
US House to Debate Water Permitting Bill
House Republican leaders indicated that as early as the week of Feb. 12, the GOP-led Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act would reach the floor of the chamber.
FMCSA Releases New Medical Examiner’s Handbook
More than eight years in the making, federal trucking regulators have finally approved a new — albeit scaled down — version of the 2024 Medical Examiner’s Handbook.
EPA Tightens Standards for Soot From Tailpipes, Smokestacks
The Biden administration is setting tougher standards for soot pollution, saying that reducing fine particle matter from industrial sources could prevent thousands of deaths a year.