WASHINGTON (WOWO): U.S. Sen. Todd Young is urging lawmakers to remove regulatory barriers that he says are slowing the adoption of new transportation technologies in the United States.
According to Young’s office, the Indiana Republican chaired a hearing Tuesday of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines and Safety. The hearing focused on how emerging technologies could improve transportation safety, efficiency and U.S. economic competitiveness.
Young said Congress should consider eliminating regulations that prevent industry from adopting innovations that can improve safety and performance.
“If there are avenues that could allow for industry to provide the same or greater level of efficacy, while increasing safety, then I believe Congress should remove the red tape prohibiting this innovation,” Young said during the hearing.
According to Young, one example is a recent waiver issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation allowing the use of cab-mounted warning beacons in certain situations. He said the change can help keep drivers from having to exit vehicles in hazardous conditions such as low visibility.
Young also argued that modernizing transportation regulations is important to maintaining the nation’s economic competitiveness, particularly against China.
“Our adversaries won’t wait for us to tie our shoes,” Young said. “If the technologies that will transform our transportation ecosystem are locked behind outdated rules or red tape, other countries will develop these solutions first.”
According to Young’s office, the hearing also examined challenges that could hinder the movement of goods and people across the country and affect the United States’ ability to compete globally.
Young highlighted Indiana’s role in manufacturing and transportation, noting that the state is often referred to as the “Crossroads of America” and is among the nation’s most manufacturing-intensive states.
The hearing is part of ongoing congressional discussions about the future of transportation infrastructure, freight movement and emerging technologies in the transportation sector.
