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.
US House Passes Fiscal 2023 Transportation Bill
Legislation that would fund federal transportation programs in fiscal 2023 was recently approved in the U.S. House of Representatives.
PHMSA Seeks Input on Possible Shift From Paper to Electronic Communication
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is seeking input on the advisability of using electronic communication as an alternative to the agency’s current paper documentation requirements for hazard communication.
Semiconductor Bill Unites Sanders, the Right — in Opposition
WASHINGTON — A bill to boost semiconductor production in the United States has managed to do nearly the unthinkable — unite the democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders and the fiscally conservative right.
Manufacturing CEOs Want to Bring More Chip Production to US
Bringing more semiconductor production to the U.S. could help counter the global chip shortage, a survey by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers showed.
Hyundai Gets $1.8 Billion in Aid to Build EVs in Georgia
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The state of Georgia and local governments are giving $1.8 billion in tax breaks and other incentives to Hyundai Motor Group in exchange for the automaker building its first U.S. plant dedicated to electric vehicles near Savannah, according to the signed agreement disclosed July 22.
Truckers Defy AB 5 ‘Free Speech Zones,’ Continue Oakland Blockade
A group of California truck drivers trying to force changes to the AB 5 state labor law brought the Port of Oakland to another standstill on July 22, continuing a multiday chokehold on one of the West Coast’s busiest shipping hubs.
Cameras on Windshield Remain FMCSA-Compliant
Windshield-mounted video cameras will remain compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules for mounting placement, thanks to an exemption the agency recently made permanent.
July 22, 2022Trucker AB 5 Protest Hampers Operations at Port of Oakland
About 450 dockworkers did not report to work at California’s third-busiest port, Port of Oakland, July 21 as truckers protesting the AB 5 gig-work law blocked access to the operation for a fourth day.
Senate’s Bipartisan Chips Bill Would Add $79 Billion to US Deficit
The Senate’s bipartisan bill to strengthen the nation’s technology sector in the face of Chinese competition was estimated July 21 to increase U.S. budget deficits by $79 billion over a decade if enacted.
Commenters Divided on FMCSA Plans to Mandate Speed Limiters
Large motor carriers and their trade associations tend to express general support for plans by federal regulators to implement a speed limiter requirement for large trucks. On the other hand, independent owner-operators are overwhelmingly opposed.