U.S. Legislative Issues
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Senators Ask GAO to Examine Impact of Autonomous Driving on Workforce
On April 25, 2017, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) asking it to examine the impact self-driving trucks will have on the two million Americans who currently work as truck drivers and the communities where they live. The senators also want to know what steps are being taken now to help American truck drivers who may be unseated from their jobs adapt and retrain.
In their joint letter, Senators Collins and Reed, the Chairman and Ranking Member at the helm of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, asked the GAO to look at three main issues surrounding the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in the trucking industry:
- How fast might businesses replace their current fleets with automated vehicles and to what extent is this technology expected to affect employment levels in related occupations?;
- What is known about the differences in skills and training that will likely be needed to operate autonomous vehicles versus those who operate existing vehicles using a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?, and,
- How are federally-funded employment and training programs preparing to assist professional drivers with CDLs whose jobs may be affected by these changes and those seeking training and licensure for the professional driving industry?
During a November 2016 hearing exploring the government’s role in promoting and regulating autonomous vehicle technology, Sen. Reed remarked that, "the impact of autonomous vehicles will be wide ranging and we need a roadmap toward integrating self-driving and autonomous vehicles into our transportation system. We also need a plan to help workers, businesses, and communities that will be impacted by the shift. A detailed analysis from GAO will help us think through how to effectively respond to these shifts and help American workers adapt to inevitable technological change."
International Trade Commission to Pursue Biodiesel Probe
On April 13, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its intention to formally initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. This action follows a petition filed on behalf of the National Biodiesel Board Fair Trade Coalition, which is comprised of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and U.S. biodiesel producers. In the petition, originally filed March 23, the coalition argues that Argentine and Indonesian companies are violating trade laws by flooding the U.S. market with dumped and subsidized biodiesel.
"The NBB and U.S. biodiesel industry is committed to fair trade, and we support the right of producers and workers to compete on a level playing field," said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen.
On May 5, 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to continue the Commerce Department investigation into the allegations against Argentina and Indonesia. The next step in the probe is for the Commerce Department to determine whether to impose preliminary countervailing duties and antidumping duties, with those decisions expected on or around June 16 and Aug. 30, respectively, the ITC has announced.
U.S. biodiesel imports in 2016 hit a record 916 million gallons, according to U.S. government data. Argentina represented about two-thirds, followed by Indonesia and Canada. The imports accounted for nearly half of U.S. biodiesel demand for two billion gallons. "The May 5 decision in our favor is an important next step for the U.S. biodiesel producers suffering because of the flood of imports," said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at NBB.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Modernize Technical Education
On May 5, 2017, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (R-IL) introduced H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act, Perkins CTE Act reauthorization legislation that would modernize career-oriented skills education. Given the challenges many fleet managers face in recruiting technicians equipped with the advanced skills necessary to meet today’s auto repair needs, NAFA strongly supports this legislation and will work with the bill’s sponsors to ensure its timely passage.
Since 1984, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act has provided federal support to state and local CTE programs. These programs offer students the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to compete for jobs in a broad range of fields, such as manufacturing and technology. Given that this law has not been updated in more than a decade, its usefulness in preparing students and workers for the high-skill, high-demand careers of the 21st century is woefully limited – resulting in a "skills gap," in which millions of jobs remain unfulfilled.
As it relates to fleets, H.R. 2353 is especially important as it would fund quality CTE programs that align with in-demand jobs, such as programs aimed at producing a pipeline of auto technicians armed with the skills needed to keep pace with the rapid innovation of auto technology.
NAFA also supports the provisions in H.R. 2353 that encourage strong and flexible partnerships between educators, employers, and community partners; as well as those regarding the implementation of innovative CTE programs; improving outcomes through an increased focus on employability skills; work-based learning opportunities; and meaningful credentialing to make students more competitive.
