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.
New Jersey’s Sen. Robert Menendez, Bob Hugin Disagree on Infrastructure Funding
This November, if New Jersey voters elect Republican political novice Bob Hugin to the U.S. Senate, President Donald Trump’s chances of advancing an infrastructure funding agenda through Congress next year could improve.
UPS, Seattle to Launch eBike Downtown Delivery Program
UPS Inc. and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Oct. 25 the parcel delivery company will begin a pilot project aimed at reducing congestion downtown and addressing air quality concerns. Delivery drivers will use electric pedal-assist cargo bicycles with a customized modular trailer attached to the back of the bike.
Hair Testing Provisions Enacted as Part of Opioid Measure
President Donald Trump on Oct. 24 signed into law legislation aimed at tackling opioid abuse.
Top For-Hire Carriers Contribute to Freight Congressional Leaders in Midterms
UPS Inc. and FedEx Corp., the top two for-hire carriers in North America, have contributed to the re-election efforts of freight transportation leaders from both parties in Congress, according to a review of public records.
Chevron Agrees to $160 Million Upgrade, Fines to End Pollution Probe
SAN FRANCISCO — Federal officials said Oct. 24 that Chevron Corp. has agreed to pay a nearly $3 million fine and spend $160 million on environmental improvements and upgrading oil refineries to resolve allegations the company violated pollution laws.
October 25, 2018Money-Losing Postal Service Hopes Trump Will Allow it to Alter Prices
A sobering review of the U.S. Postal Service by its inspector general finds that the agency’s ambitious 2015 “Window Change” program, which saves money by slowing letter delivery and closing and consolidating mail-processing centers, has cost more and saved far less than planned.
Glider Kit Study Drew ‘Inaccurate’ Conclusions, Tennessee Tech Finds
A misconduct investigation completed by Tennessee Technological University concluded that university researchers erred when stating in an industry-funded glider kit study that emissions from the trucks are as clean or cleaner than those from newer trucks.
Arctic Offshore Wells Approved Off Alaska’s Coast
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The first oil and gas production wells in federal Arctic waters have been approved by U.S. regulators. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 24 announced it issued a conditional permit for the Liberty Project, a proposal by a subsidiary of Houston-based Hilcorp for production wells on an artificial island in the Beaufort Sea.
IMO Rejects US-Backed Plan for Phased Start of Ship-Fuel Rules
The International Maritime Organization rejected a proposal — supported by both the U.S. and shipping groups — for a phased start to rules that will limit the sulfur content of ship fuels starting in 2020.
New York Says Exxon Misled Investors About Climate Risks
A few months ago lawyers for Exxon Mobil Corp. stood before a judge and told New York’s attorney general to “put up or shut up” after investigating the company’s public disclosures about climate change, saying it should sue the company or move on. New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood said Exxon Mobil misled investors about the risks that climate change poses to its operations.
October 24, 2018