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.
PHMSA Issues Rule Requiring Oil Spill Response Plans for Flammable Trains
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a final rule that requires railroads to develop and submit comprehensive oil spill response plans for route segments traveled by high-hazard flammable trains.
Walmart Slips as Yet Another Overseas Obstacle Materializes
In India, an unfavorable e-commerce ruling is likely to crimp the growth for Walmart Inc. In China, the retailer says an economic slowdown has shoppers tightening their purse strings. And now in the U.K., a deal to reduce Walmart’s exposure to the slowing market there is on life support.
Trump to Nominate DOT Official Jeffrey Rosen for Deputy Attorney General Post
President Donald Trump plans to nominate Jeffrey Rosen as the new deputy attorney general, the White House said the night of Feb. 19.
White House Cancels $929 Million in Grants for California’s Beleaguered Rail Project
The Trump administration on Feb. 19 said it will cancel more than $900 million in federal grants earmarked for a high-speed rail project California that the state’s Democratic governor announced would be scaled back from its initial vision amid delays and cost overruns.
Corn Included in Trump’s Trade Talks With China
U.S. corn sales to China have been part of the ongoing trade discussions between the nations, President Donald Trump said from the White House Oval Office on Feb. 19.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Pivots From Truck-Only Toll Plan
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has suggested a tolling program that would affect both cars and tractor-trailers, shifting away from an earlier pledge to only toll trucks.
Diesel Jumps 4¢ to $3.006 a Gallon
The U.S. average retail price of diesel rose 4 cents to $3.006 a gallon, according to the Department of Energy. The price of crude oil climbed into the mid-fifty-dollar range, a three-month high, as international supplies tightened and concerns over a deeper trade war with China lessened.
FMCSA Grants Pyrotechnics Group ELD Exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted certain members of the American Pyrotechnics Association reprieve from the electronic logging device rule.
Caltrans Scrambles to Hire Road Maintenance Workers
Caltrans will consider hiring nearly anyone for 333 maintenance jobs it is trying to fill. The transportation department is on a spree to hire enough workers to improve road upkeep as called for in a 2017 gas tax bill that in November survived an initiative that would have repealed it.
BUILD Infrastructure Grants Reduced in Recent Funding Deal
Funding for grants meant to assist states with infrastructure projects of regional significance was cut under the recently signed law ensuring federal agencies remain open through fiscal 2019.