Taking The Hill

by Christy Plunkett

EPA Releases MOBILE6 Model

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the MOBILE6 model, the latest update to the MOBILE model for use by state and local governments to meet Clean Air Act requirements. The MOBILE model calculates air pollution emission factors from passenger cars and trucks. MOBILE6 is based on new and improved data and a new process for understanding motor vehicle emissions. The EPA states the MOBILE6 model is easier to use and easier to program to each individual state's needs.

GAO Report on Mexican Trucking Says DOT Should Do More

A recent study conducted by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found that the Department of Transportation (DOT) needs to do more to ensure the safety of Mexican trucks crossing the U.S. border. The report calls for a truck safety plan and better communication with border states and agencies. The DOT has asserted it is on schedule with implementing the safety rules established in the DOT appropriations bill that allows for Mexican trucks to travel into the United States.

Small Business Health Fairness Act

The Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 1774, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ernie Fletcher, R-Ky. The legislation is aimed at allowing small businesses to pool their resources and be covered under Association Healthcare Plans (AHP). The bill would allow associations, such as the Automotive Service Association, to form national group health care plans so members could cover their employees at a reasonable cost.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Worker

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a verdict by a federal appeals court that ruled a woman with carpal tunnel syndrome was protected under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The woman sued Toyota because she developed carpal tunnel syndrome while working for the manufacturer and wanted the company to create another job for her where she would not aggravate her condition. The U.S. Supreme Court found she did not qualify under the ADA because she did not have a disability that “substantially limited” her ability to work.

NHTSA Decides Not to Change Fuel Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided not to take advantage of altering the fuel rules for model year 2004 light trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The U.S. Congress voted last year to lift a ban on NHTSA that prevented them from even reviewing the fuel economy rules. NHTSA said they wanted to continue with the 20.7 miles per gallon standard on light trucks and SUVs while they continued to study the issue. With a deadline of April 1, NHTSA didn't feel it was ready to make changes.

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