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.
Trucking Crews Begin Assistance Effort for California Residents Affected by Wildfires
With donations to help those affected by the recent California wildfires arriving from around the country, trucking fleets are bracing to help deliver supplies for relief efforts.
Department of Interior Moves to Expand Drilling in Alaskan Oil Reserve
The Trump administration is moving to expand the territory open for oil exploration in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, a process that could shift drilling rigs closer to herds of caribou and flocks of threatened birds.
Labor Participation at Full Employment, Study Shows
The U.S. labor market doesn’t have much more room to tighten, according to a new study from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco that examines trends in the number of Americans who are either working or looking for jobs.
Home Construction Rises 1.5% in October
U.S. home construction improved 1.5% in October, but in a troubling sign, groundbreakings for single-family houses fell.
Trump to Nominate Andrew Wheeler for Top Job at EPA
President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Andrew Wheeler for the administrator role at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he currently serves as acting administrator.
Diesel Falls Again, Drops 3.5¢ to $3.282 a Gallon
The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped 3.5 cents to $3.282 a gallon in data reported Nov. 19 as crude oil prices fell amid persistent concerns about oversupply.
ASCE Gives Pennsylvania Infrastructure a C- Again
Pennsylvania has again earned a C- on the American Society of Civil Engineers’ infrastructure report card. That grade is just above the group’s grade of D+ for the nation’s infrastructure in 2017.
Connecticut Report Projects Tolls Could Raise $1 Billion a Year
The Connecticut Department of Transportation released a study Nov. 14 which stated that electronic tolls posted on highways throughout the state could raise nearly $1 billion a year, but the study comes at a time when a tolling program underway in neighboring Rhode Island faces a court challenge.
Nation’s Ports Booming Amid Strong Economy
September and October were record months for many of the nation’s ports as shippers prepared for a busy holiday shopping season and rushed to get cargo into the U.S. ahead of the Trump administration’s tariffs against several nations, including China.
Increase in Online Shopping Could Lead to Package Delays
Area shoppers will want to purchase their holiday gifts earlier this year, as a major jump in online holiday shopping could complicate the delivery system.