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.
House Committee Approves Truck Parking Bill
Legislation designed to increase parking access for truck drivers nationwide was easily approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure panel on July 20.
AB 5 Trucker Protest Leads Oakland Port to Close Terminals
California’s third-busiest port, the Port of Oakland, shut down some of its gates and marine terminals for a third day July 20 as truckers protesting the AB 5 gig-work law that could take 70,000 drivers off the road blocked access to the operation.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg Highlights Younger Drivers Workforce Program
Efforts to boost the number of younger drivers in the trucking workforce are underway, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told a congressional committee on July 19.
USPS to Boost Purchases of Electric Vehicles
The U.S. Postal Service plans to substantially increase the number of electric-powered vehicles it’s buying to replace its fleet of aging delivery trucks, officials said July 20.
July 20, 2022Sky-High Diesel Prices Squeeze Truckers, Farmers, Consumers
NEW YORK — When longhaul trucker Deb LaBree sets out on the road to deliver pharmaceuticals, she has strategies to hold down costs. She avoids the West Coast and the Northeast, where diesel prices are highest. She organizes her delivery route to minimize “deadheading” — driving an empty truck in between deliveries.
New York’s Infrastructure Earns 'C' Grade on ASCE Report Card
New York received an overall “C” grade for the condition of its infrastructure in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Most Cities Prioritizing Roads, Bridges With Infrastructure Aid
Most U.S. cities will pour their share of the federal infrastructure spending package into fixing crumbling roads and bridges, prioritizing motor vehicle infrastructure over other projects like public transit, airports and railways.
Truckers Decry AB 5 Labor Law at Oakland Port
Over 100 truck drivers showed up at the Port of Oakland in California on July 18, not to move cargo but to protest a state labor law they say could end their independence — and their livelihood.
Hawaii Boosts Hydrogen Fueling Stations, Enacts Other Clean Energy Laws
Providing incentives for trucks to use hydrogen is one of four new laws that took effect in July to counter climate change and boost clean energy in Hawaii.
DOE Eyes Mines as Future Clean Energy Sites
Current or abandoned mines are being considered by the U.S. Department of Energy for experimental clean energy sites below the earth’s surface in a new $500 million grant program.