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.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of May 23: House Showdown Ahead
Trucking regulations are poised to dominate parts of a May 24 House Appropriations Committee hearing on a fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill, but Democrats are threatening to undo parts of the legislation having to do with hours of service, meal and rest breaks, and a proposed safety fitness determination rule. Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Minnesota Becomes Seventh State to Fail to Pass Fuel-Tax Hike
Minnesota became the seventh state to fail to pass a fuel-tax increase this year as its legislative session ended at midnight May 22 with no agreement on a long-awaited major transportation funding package despite the state’s $900 million budget surplus.
Industry Groups Unite to Develop New App Aimed at Making Truck Parking Easier to Find
WASHINGTON — Industry groups announced they will launch a free truck parking smartphone app in August, joining several from the private sector already in place.
Experts: New Technology Can Reduce Congestion
WASHINGTON — Investing in the integration of advanced technologies in cities and freight corridors would help reduce roadway congestion, transportation officials and experts said here during Infrastructure Week.
UPS Exec Urges Passage of Trade Pact, Says Protectionism Hurts Supply Chain
WASHINGTON — Protectionism has become a political issue that is a threat to an efficient global supply chain, world trade and the critical importance of making the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement a reality, a top UPS Inc. official said.
Video: Why FMCSA Is Seeking Input on Sleep Apnea
Christine Hydock, chief of the medical programs division for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, talks with TT's Eric Miller in this LiveOnWeb video excerpt about the agency's interest in a possible sleep apnea regulation.
May 20, 2016House Appropriators to Consider Transportation Funding Bill May 24
House appropriators on May 24 will take up a fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill that includes provisions related to truckers’ hours-of-service rules.
May 20, 2016Central States Won’t Create New Pension Rescue Plan, Appeals to Congress for Help
The Central States Pension Fund has decided not to submit a new rescue plan to avert future insolvency, leaving the question of funding future pensions for its Teamster members in the lap of Congress.
Oregon's Transportation System Must Be Ready for the Big One, Panel Urges
A statewide panel charged with assessing Oregon's future transportation needs found the ability to handle a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake a top priority across the state.
Infrastructure Permitting Project Delays Driving Up Costs, Experts Say
WASHINGTON — Infrastructure projects in the United States are taking up to 10 years to gain regulatory approval, a problem that is too often sending investors to other countries and driving up the costs of projects, several transportation experts said.