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.
Diesel Average Hits Five-Year Low
Diesel’s national average retail price fell to a five-year low, dropping 4 cents to $2.824 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.
April 6, 2015Transportation Groups to ‘Stand Up for Transportation’
The American Public Transportation Association has assembled a coalition of business groups, state transportation agencies and other stakeholders to host “Stand Up for Transportation” events nationwide April 9.
April 6, 2015FMCSA Grants HOS Exemption to Concrete Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has approved a request from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association that will exempt the industry’s drivers from an hours-of-service requirement that they take a 30-minute rest break within the first eight hours of driving.
HOS Exemption Granted to McKee Foods Transportation
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a sleeper berth hours-of-service exemption to McKee Foods Transportation.
FMCSA Issues Rule Increasing Motor Carrier Civil Penalties for Violating Federal Regs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final rule increasing most of its motor carrier civil penalties for violations of federal regulations.
DOT Announces Next Round of TIGER Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $500 million in grants available for states and municipalities that need help to pay for infrastructure projects.
April 2, 2015DOT Provides $209 Million Loan for Ohio Bypass
The U.S. Department of Transportation on April 1 announced a $209 million loan for the Portsmouth Bypass project in Ohio, the state’s largest single construction project and the first to rely on a public-private partnership.
April 2, 2015FMCSA OKs Break Exemptions for Ore. Lumber Haulers
Federal regulators have approved a request by the Oregon Trucking Associations that grants commercial vehicle operators transporting timber from the state’s forestlands a limited exemption from taking 30-minute rest breaks.
ARTBA Analysis: 61,000 Bridges in Need of Significant Repair
A recent review of federal data by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association concluded that more than 61,000 structurally deficient bridges nationwide require significant upgrades and repairs.
Phase 2 GHG Rule Delayed, EPA Says
The proposed Phase 2 greenhouse-gas emissions rule for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, originally planned for publication in March, has been delayed until June, the Environmental Protection Agency announced.