KEY AGENCIES
Mar 27, 2026 Updates
There was no reportable FHWA activity last week.
The World Shipping Council filed an amendment to its agreement with the FMC that would allow WSC members to develop tools that enhance cargo screening efforts to improve safety. Additionally, the amendment allows WSC members to create and maintain databases of incidents relating to the identification of undeclared or non-compliant goods. The amendment takes effect on April 13.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking comments (due March 11) on an exemption request from the Federation of Professional Truckers that would allow drivers and small carriers to use manual logs in place of electronic logging devices (ELDs).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule (effective March 16) tightening CDL eligibility for non-domiciled drivers by limiting it to certain visa holders (H-2A, H-2B, E-2), prohibiting use of EADs as proof of eligibility, and requiring states to verify lawful status through the SAVE system.
As mentioned in more detail in our CAGTC update, the Maritime Administration is soliciting applications for the fiscal year 2026 round of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which funds projects that improve ports’ ability to move goods, streamline supply chain movements, and modernize port operations. The NOFO makes $488.6 million available for this year’s awards. Applications are due on June 26, 2026.
STB issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify, amend, and streamline the Board’s regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In particular, proposed changes include: expanding categorical exclusions for certain projects; updating procedures for Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements (such as implementing deadlines and page limits); updating language to clarify instances where environmental reviews are not required; moving the delegation of authority from the Board to the Director of the Office of Environmental Analysis and revising those delegations to improve and streamline the decision making process; adding processes for coordinating with other relevant agencies on NEPA; and creating procedures for environmental review in emergency situations. STB noted that these changes are intended to align the Board’s NEPA regulations with recent CEQ guidance, Supreme Court rulings, and Executive Orders. Comments are due by April 24.
Other Offices & Agencies
- USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into whether manufacturing overcapacity in several foreign economies is distorting trade, with comments due April 15 and hearings scheduled for May 5–8.
- Internal Revenue Service
- Maritime Administration
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- National Labor Relations Board
- Office of the United States Trade Representative
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Labor
- International Maritime Organization
