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.
Virginia House Votes to End Retail Fuel Tax
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Friday afternoon that would eliminate the state’s retail taxes on diesel and gasoline and replace them with a wholesale tax for fuel distributors and an increased sales tax, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
FMCSA Approves 10th Mexican Carrier for Cross-Border Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it authorized Mexican carrier Grupo Behr de Baja California as the 10th participant in a longhaul cross-border pilot program.
February 22, 2013Consumer Price Index Unchanged in January
The consumer price index was unchanged in February, the Labor Department said Thursday.
February 21, 2013White House Outlines Plan for $50 Billion in Infrastructure Spending
The White House on Wednesday outlined a set of infrastructure proposals, including $40 billion for a “fix-it-first” policy to prioritize repairing existing roads, bridges and other facilities before building new ones, as part of a $50 billion total plan.
Wyoming Gov. Signs Bill to Add a Dime to State’s 14-Cent Diesel, Gasoline Tax
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R) has signed a bill that will add a dime to the state’s 14-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel and gasoline.
Vehicle Deaths Rose 5% in 2012, National Safety Council Says
Motor vehicle deaths in the United States increased 5% last year, the first annual increase since 2005, the National Safety Council said in a preliminary analysis it released Tuesday.
Texas Trucking Companies Expect Faster Sales at Start of 2013, Study Says
Texas-based trucking companies expect to see faster sales growth at the start of 2013 but generally plan to be more conservative in their expenditures this year, according to a new study by the Texas Trucking Alliance.
February 19, 2013Editorial: Turning Words Into Dollars
Well, at least we’re getting lip service related to fixing the nation’s ailing and neglected infrastructure network. Now, if we can just get some concrete action.
February 18, 2013Obama: Fixing Roads, Bridges Will Be a Second-Term Priority
WASHINGTON — Infrastructure funding was in the spotlight last week on Capitol Hill, both in President Obama’s State of the Union speech and at a congressional hearing.
February 18, 2013States Seek New Funding for Infrastructure Upgrades
With federal highway funds dwindling, some states are proposing unprecedented fuel-tax increases, while others are considering legalized gaming and boosting sales taxes to pay for roads and bridge fixes.
February 18, 2013