Government

About Government News...

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.

Government, Business, Equipment, Safety, Fuel

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.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
February 20, 2019
Government, Business, Logistics

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.

February 20, 2019
Government

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.

Jennifer Jacobs | Bloomberg News
February 20, 2019
Government, Business, Technology, Logistics

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.

Ryan Beene | Bloomberg News
February 20, 2019
Government, Business, Logistics

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.

February 20, 2019
Government, Business, Safety

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.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
February 19, 2019
Government, Business, Fuel

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.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
February 19, 2019
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

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.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
February 19, 2019
Government, Business, Safety, TCA

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.

Wes Venteicher | The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.)
February 19, 2019
Government, Business, Safety

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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
February 19, 2019