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.
DOT Launches AV TEST Initiative
The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a program to increase transparency and inform members of the public about automated vehicle technologies.
Fed Will Begin Buying Broad Portfolio of Corporate Bonds
The Federal Reserve said June 15 that it will begin buying individual corporate bonds under its Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility, an emergency lending program that to date has purchased only exchange-traded funds.
Truckers Praised for Contributions to Country’s Economy
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says truckers continue to serve on the front line in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic even as more of the economy is beginning to reopen. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Driverless Car Industry Gets a Nudge on Standards, Transparency
Hundreds of driverless cars have been tested in locations across the U.S. in recent years, but standards are inconsistent and in a handful of cases there have been accidents and even a death.
Amazon Tells Congress Bezos Will Testify in Tech Power Probe
Amazon.com Inc. told congressional investigators examining the market power of the largest technology companies that it would make CEO Jeff Bezos available to testify.
Perspective: Federal Excise Tax Relief Can Aid Recovery
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world. In the United States it altered the way our country operates and wreaked havoc on American businesses, but leaders in Washington responded with actions that helped mitigate the damage. I applaud these efforts and am confident that our economy will bounce back. But the work is not done.
Marijuana Accounts for Most Failed Drug Tests, Clearinghouse Report Shows
More than 10,000 positive drug tests for marijuana were reported to the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse through the end of May this year, distinguishing pot by far as the banned drug of choice for truck drivers failing tests, according to new numbers released in a Clearinghouse report June 11.
DOT Issues $3 Million for State, Local Safety Tools
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently issued $3.3 million to state, local and tribal government groups to support tools that are meant to improve roadway safety.
Sen. Ted Cruz Introduces NEPA Reform Bills
Two bills that would seek to make changes to the National Environmental Policy Act recently were introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Mnuchin Says US Can’t Shut Economy Even if Virus Resurges
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the U.S. shouldn’t shut down the economy again even if there is another surge in coronavirus cases.