The CTA’s Policy Committees wrapped up two days of meetings and debates on September 24th in Fresno. The highlights include:

• The Safety Policy Committee adopted a policy to support motor carrier carve-outs from local labor ordinances impacting minimum wage and paid sick leave. The Committee also heard updates on the BIT program, including the timetable for a rulemaking to adopt the new program guidelines, ongoing efforts to shield motor carriers from rail hazmat fees imposed by the Office of Emergency Services, deferred to ATA’s position on NHTSA’s proposed speed limiter mandate and discussed methods for addressing member reported increases in cash paid driver operations.  
• The Highway Policy Committee welcomed the DMV’s IRP program staff and received an update on the ongoing special session on transportation infrastructure financing, including current proposals from the Assembly and Senate Transportation Committee chairs. The Committee also received a briefing on connected and autonomous vehicles. The Committee has set a goal of adopting official Association policies on connected and autonomous vehicles by Summer of 2017.  
• The Environmental Policy Committee adopted a policy to support a technology neutral weight exemption for increases in tare weight due to advanced technology engines and fuels. The Committee received an update on several major CARB planning efforts, including the fact that there are no current plans by the State to impose new Truck and Bus style regulations. The Committee also received notice that the South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to indicate they are planning to adopt freight facility emission caps and South Coast-only style fleet rules. CTA continues to work with a broad based business coalition to fight these proposals. The Committee also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing CARB compliance to ensure compliant members are competing on an even playing field.