ATA President and CEO Chris Spear returned to Capitol Hill this week to press lawmakers on issues impacting trucking. He was invited by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to lead a panel of transportation stakeholders discussing infrastructure and supply chain challenges.
Here are four key takeaways from the lawmakers’ exchange:
- FHWA needs to drop its IIJA funding memo
- Need realistic discussion about energy/environment policies
- 98.5% of emissions removed from tailpipes
- California’s timeline/targets for net-zero unachievable due to lack of resources/infrastructureThe IC model, or independent contractor model, is under attack from Congress and regulators at the federal and state levels. California’s AB-5 has had a significant impact on the industry by forcing many motor carriers to reorganize or leave the state altogether. These policies threaten the entire supply chain and rob entrepreneurs of choice, dreams, and freedom. It is essential that Congress step in to protect this important business model.In addition to protecting the IC model from further erosion from policy changes, it is also important for Congress to act on drug testing regulations as states legalize recreational marijuana use. Without strong enforcement of drug testing standards for commercial drivers — including an option for motor carriers to use hair testing instead of urine tests — highway safety could be compromised significantly.
Congressional action is needed now more than ever before in order to ensure safe roadways while preserving business opportunities through reasonable regulation of commercial transportation businesses using independent contractors.
Sources: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/4-keys-spear-hill-testimony
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