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 Drops Plan for Split Sleeper Berth Pilot Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has scrapped plans for a 12-month split sleeper berth pilot program designed to collect real-world data on the safety of drivers who split their sleeper berth time in a variety of ways.
Standardizing Collision Avoidance Systems Is One of NTSB’s Most Wanted Safety Improvements
WASHINGTON — Automobile and truck manufacturers should develop a standard practice of installing collision avoidance technology in their vehicles, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, which named the system as one of its 10 Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements.
Transportation Groups Want State of the Union to Highlight Infrastructure Needs
Transportation priorities need to be included in President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, industry stakeholders say. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
California Commits Billions to Advance EV Programs
A review conducted by the San Diego Union-Tribune showed various state agencies have committed $2.46 billion in public funds — some of it already spent and the rest planned over a number of years — for programs aimed at luring drivers out of cars and trucks powered by internal combustion engines and encouraging them into zero- or low-emission vehicles.
US Refiners Cut Off From Venezuelan Crude After Sanctions
U.S. oil refiners won’t be allowed to complete shipments of Venezuelan crude they booked before the Trump administration slapped new sanctions on the Latin American nation.
EPA's Andrew Wheeler Says New Glider Truck Rule Would Consider Impact on Manufacturers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to tailor its new glider truck emissions standard to help protect the glider industry from “going out of business or substantially reducing its economic growth potential,” agency chief Andrew Wheeler said in a document sent to Congress.
New Mexico State Senate Panel Passes Tesla-Backed Bill
A state Senate bill that would allow electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and others to open stores and service centers in New Mexico was approved by the Public Affairs Committee on Jan. 31.
Amazon, Walmart Reel as India Curbs Plunge Market Into Chaos
Amazon.com’s and Walmart Inc.’s grand plans for India were thrown into chaos Feb. 1 after the country implemented new e-commerce regulations, which could cut their growth in the market by as much as half this year.
Truck Drivers on the Lookout for Spotted Lanternfly
A troublesome tiny Asian visitor known as the spotted lanternfly is hopping from fruit trees onto trucks and railcars throughout the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, threatening to ruin billions of dollars of agricultural commodities in the state and elsewhere.
Virginia Lawmakers Strike Tolling Plan From I-81 Bills
Legislation outlining an improvement program for Interstate 81 in Virginia has been amended to exclude plans for tolls along the route.