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.
FBI Warns Truckers That Hackers Could Target ELD Data
The FBI issued a cautionary notice warning truckers that cyber criminals could target electronic logging device vulnerabilities as a means of seizing business information, but industry experts note that hackers have as yet not found a way to crack into ELD data.
Fed Sees Dim Economic Outlook as Virus Squeezes Economy
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve expressed concern July 29 that the viral outbreak will act as a drag on the economy and hiring in the coming months and said it plans to keep its benchmark short-term interest rate pegged near zero.
US Energy Use Hit 30-Year Low in Pandemic Shutdowns
BILLINGS, Mont. — U.S. energy consumption plummeted to its lowest level in more than 30 years this spring as the nation’s economy largely shut down because of the coronavirus, federal officials reported July 29.
Oil Clings to Gains After US Supplies Shrink by Most This Year
Oil was propped up by the biggest decline in U.S. crude stockpiles this year, signaling a bright spot in a market weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump Says Republicans, Democrats Far Apart in Stimulus Talks
President Donald Trump said that Republicans and Democrats aren’t close to resolving their differences over a coronavirus stimulus package, and that Congress may need to pass some stopgap measures to prevent aid from running out.
USPS Grapples With Financial Crisis as Mail Delays Continue
Earlier this month, local letter carriers were told to delay delivering mail in order to save money for the United States Postal Service, a direction that apparently came from top federal officials to mail carriers throughout the country.
Gasoline’s Demand Rebound Fades at Height of US Driving Season
A sharp rebound in gasoline consumption that helped to drive oil prices higher appears to be running out of steam, a development that should be a cause for concern across the petroleum industry.
July 28, 2020New COVID-19 Stimulus With Transportation Aid Stuck in Congress
With much of the country looking to Washington for assistance, slow-moving negotiations on the next COVID-19 economic stimulus package have been marked by partisan disagreements.
TRB Annual Meeting Goes Virtual for 2021
The Transportation Research Board’s 100th annual meeting will be held virtually this winter due to concerns over COVID-19.
DOT Unveils Applicant Toolkit for Rural Communities
USDOT created a toolkit intended to help those interested in participating in the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success program.