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.
FMCSA Extends HOS Emergency Declaration for Second Time
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has again extended its emergency declaration relaxing hours-of-service rules for motor carriers that are providing direct assistance in support of coronavirus-related relief efforts.
House Democrats Propose $15 Billion for State Highway Programs
The country’s transportation agencies would receive a funding boost in a coronavirus economic relief measure House Democrats unveiled May 12.
Tesla Operations Can Resume in California if Conditions Are Met
Alameda County officials said May 12 they have agreed to allow Tesla to reopen as early as next week if the auto manufacturer agrees to certain safety conditions.
Powell Warns of Possible Sustained Recession From Pandemic
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned May 13 of the threat of a prolonged recession resulting from the viral outbreak and urged Congress and the White House to act further to prevent long-lasting economic damage.
Uber’s Bid to Acquire Grubhub Draws Rebukes
Uber Technologies Inc.’s offer to buy Grubhub Inc. antagonized officials in Washington and major U.S. cities, who already were taking steps to limit the fees companies charge restaurants and regulate their treatment of workers. If a deal between the companies proceeds, analysts said it is likely to face antitrust scrutiny.
CVSA’s 2020 Operation Safe Driver Week to Go On as Scheduled July 12-18
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 2020 Operation Safe Driver Week will go on as scheduled July 12-18, the trade association representing roadside inspectors announced May 12.
Alameda County Orders Tesla’s Fremont Plant to Stop Production
Alameda County officials sent a letter to a top Tesla safety employee May 11 ordering the company to cease manufacturing at its Fremont, Calif., plant, the strongest step local government has taken to check the electric car maker’s defiance of health orders.
Democrats’ $3 Trillion New Virus Bill Aids States, Essential Workers
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion coronavirus aid package May 12, providing nearly $1 trillion for states and cities, “hazard pay” for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals.
Florida Trucking, Government Leaders Provide 500 Free Meals for Truckers
Florida transportation officials, police officers and trucking association representatives recently teamed to distribute free meals to truckers at a rest area on Interstate 75 as an act of appreciation during the coronavirus pandemic.
US Meat’s Run of Growth to End in Pandemic
Meat-processing disruptions in America are set to strip billions of pounds of production, snapping a yearslong run of growth in the industry, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.