Republicans Criticize Proposed Speed Limiter Regulation for Trucks at House Hearing

At a recent hearing in Washington, House Republicans expressed strong opposition to a forthcoming regulation aimed at mandating speed limiters on trucks. This hearing, initially planned to discuss President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law, quickly shifted focus to the ethical implications of the speed limiter rulemaking process.

Opposition at the House Hearing on Infrastructure Law

One of the most significant points of contention was raised by U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas. He questioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) chief, Robin Hutcheson, about the potential conflict of interest arising from her attendance at a fundraiser sponsored by groups supporting a 60 mph speed limiter rule, a notable reduction from the initially indicated 68 mph limit. Nehls emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of America’s truckers, who had submitted over 15,000 comments on the rulemaking but lacked the resources to host large fundraisers.

In response, FMCSA chief Hutcheson affirmed the agency’s commitment to driver safety and mentioned her engagement with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which opposes speed limiters. Despite this, the FMCSA is expected to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on speed limiters by the end of the month, a move awaited with anticipation and concern by various stakeholders in the trucking industry.

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