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 Panels Advance Sleep Apnea Recommendations
Two Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advisory committees forwarded on Oct. 24 a slate of comprehensive moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea risk factor recommendations that the agency could use in a formal regulatory requirement for truck and bus drivers to submit to costly diagnostic sleep studies.
New Jersey Senators Hope to Repeal Fuel-Tax Hikes
Just six days after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed the compromise gas-tax legislation into law, two of his fellow Republicans introduced a bill on Oct. 20 to repeal it.
House Chairman Defends Federal Transportation Agency During Debate
LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — The top transportation policymaker in the U.S. House rejected the notion of devolving transportation authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation to state agencies during a debate with a tea party-backed opponent at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus on Oct. 21.
Minnesota, Wisconsin Celebrate New I-90 Bridge
Officials from the Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of transportation along with elected officials celebrated the dedication of the new Dresbach Bridge over the Mississippi River on Oct. 21.
Opinion: The Real Cost of Regulations for Small Carriers
Economists often speak of a “regulatory drag” on our economy related to the costs associated with the many regulations passed over the years.
October 24, 2016Congress’ 2017 Transport Agenda Murky With Committee Leaders in Tight Races
In this election cycle, senior transportation policymakers, including House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), chairman of the Railroads subcommittee and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a senior member of the Commerce Committee, are scrambling to hold on to their seats.
Appeals Court Rejects Obese Driver’s Claim That He Needn’t Submit to Sleep Apnea Test
An appeals court has rejected claims by an obese truck driver that he should not have been required by his employer to submit to a sleep study to determine if he had obstructive sleep apnea.
Bridge Construction Method Saves States, Drivers Time
Rhode Island had a pair of bridges in East Providence that were in such poor condition that Vice President Joe Biden termed one of them “shameful” during a visit this spring.
FTC Charges Two With Fraud in Selling Registration Services
The Federal Trade Commission has charged two individuals with using a fake government affiliation to sell commercial trucking registration services.
October 21, 2016FMCSA Issues Safety Advisory on Samsung Galaxy Note7 Smartphones
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a safety advisory on Oct. 21 to provide “notice and information” for commercial motor vehicle owners, operators and passengers on the risks and regulations associated with the transportation of the recently recalled Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone and also for other damaged, defective or recalled lithium cells or batteries used for portable electronic devices