Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofTransportation
Epoch Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Pipeline Operators Say High-Tech Tools Preclude Need for Expansive Safety Regulation
The 3.3 million-mile network of interstate pipelines pumping natural gas, crude oil, gasoline, and other hazardous fuels across the United States has been operating on auto-pilot for nearly two years. In 2023, Congress' failed to reauthorize the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020 as required every three years, meaning for the last 20 months, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pipeline safety program has been in limbo.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mexico sees no reason for US to impose sanctions on airlines
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday the United States has not yet formally notified her government of possible measures against Mexico's airline sector pointing that she sees no reason for the neighboring country to initiate such sanctions. The comments come after the U.S. Department of Transportation said on Saturday it would take action in response to Mexico's decision to cut flight slots and force cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City, affecting U.S. airlines. "There is no reason for Mexico to receive any sanctions for changes made to the capital's airport system," Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement on Saturday that the department may reject new flight requests from Mexican carriers if concerns over airport decisions made in 2022 and 2023 are not addressed. The department would propose withdrawing antitrust immunity granted to Delta Air Lines for its joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive concerns, according to the statement. Solve the daily Crossword
UPI
20-07-2025
- Business
- UPI
Trump administration sanctions Mexico over air carrier trade pact
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced sanctions against Mexico for violating a trade deal at Mexico City's international airport. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo July 20 (UPI) -- The Transportation Department has announced a series of actions against Mexico for violating a years-old bilateral air carrier trade pact. The department said Mexico has not been in compliance with the airline competition agreement since 2022 when it took back some slots for flights for U.S. air carriers at Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City and forced U.S. cargo planes to shift their operations to other parts of the city. "Since 2022, Mexico has altered the playing field significantly for airlines that reduce competition and allow prominent competitors to gain an unfair advantage in the U.S.-Mexico market," a release from the Transportation Department said. "The United States and Mexico have an air services agreement... that commits both parties to a liberalized operating environment for all has walked away from its commitments." Mexico has said it rescinded the slots to make room for construction at the airport, but the work has yet to materialize three years later, the transportation department contended. "By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of [Mexico City International Airport], Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs," the release continued. The "America First" actions enacted by the Trump administration require Mexican airlines to file schedules with the transportation department for all of their U.S. operations, mandate prior DOT approval before operating any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights from the United States and addressing anti-competitive issues in the market. Mexico seized slots from U.S.-based carriers American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, as well as from three Mexican airlines -- Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris -- to make room for the construction. "Despite repeated outreach from the Department, Mexico has not provided any information regarding when these slots would be returned or any major construction projects at MEX will ever materialize," the release continued. Duffy added that the United States is also reviewing trade agreements with other countries to determine if they are being violated, including pacts with some European nations.
UPI
17-07-2025
- Politics
- UPI
Trump revokes billions from Calif. high-speed rail project
Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation Sean Duffy announced Wednesday they were revoking billions in federal funding from California's high-speed rail project. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo July 17 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has revoked billions in federal funding for California's high-speed rail project, amid a deepening row between the Republican president and the Democratic-led state. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that the Federal Railroad Administration terminated about $4 billion in unspent federal funding for the project that will connect San Francisco and Los Angeles by a high-speed rail system with plans to then extend to Sacramento and San Diego. California voters approved the plan in 2008. It was supposed to be completed four years ago at a cost of $33 billion, though the price tag has since climbed to between $89 billion and $128 billion. Passenger service is now expected to start between 2030 and 2033. In revoking the funds, Duffy called the plan a "boondoggle." "This is California's fault," he said in a statement. "Gov. [Gavin] Newsom and the complicit Democrats have enabled this waste for years. Federal dollars are not a blank check -- they come with a promise to deliver results." Trump and Newsom have feuded for years. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has used his executive powers to sue California over alleged Title IX violations on transgender athletes participating in women's sports. He also deployed thousands of California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell protests that erupted in response to immigration raids being conducted in the city. Newsom has responded by launching lawsuits challenging the Trump administration on a slew of executive actions, from the president's tariffs to withholding billions in funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Trump, in a separate statement Wednesday, said he was "thrilled" to announce the money had been revoked. "The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will," he said on his Truth Social media platform. "This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated and NEVER DELIVERED." Duffy said it was revoking the funds after a review found that the project was in default of the terms of the two grants awarded. There were nine areas of noncompliance, including missed deadlines and budget shortfalls. Along with canceling the funds, Duffy said he has directed the Federal Railroad Authority to review other grants the project has been awarded. "It's time for this boondoggle to die," he said. It's expected that California will challenge the move in court. "Canceling these grants without cause isn't just wrong -- it's illegal," California High Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri said in a statement. According to Choudri, the project has "met every obligation" for the grants, confirmed by repeated federal reviews, as recently as February. California officials say the project has entered its track-laying phase. More than 50 major railway structures, including bridges and overpasses, have already been completed over 60 miles of guideway. "This is no time for Washington to walk away on America's transportation future," Choudri said.
Axios
10-07-2025
- Axios
Photos: Inside the new Amtrak Mardi Gras train in New Orleans
Amtrak trains will start rolling on the Gulf Coast in a few short weeks and we got an early look at them. Why it matters: Amtrak hasn't operated this line between New Orleans and Mobile since Hurricane Katrina. The big picture: Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service starts Aug. 18 with two daily trains. The stops are... New Orleans Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Gulfport, Mississippi Biloxi, Mississippi Pascagoula, Mississippi Mobile, Alabama How it works: One-way tickets start at $15 but fluctuate based on demand, Amtrak vice president Nicole Bucich says. Weekend trips we checked from New Orleans to Mobile were $30 for coach and $75 for business class. Discounts are available for children, seniors, veterans and groups. Behind the scenes: The trains are being promoted as an easier way to travel for Mardi Gras, Saints games, beach trips and other adventures. It takes about four hours to do the full line, which is about two hours slower than driving. But, officials say you don't have to worry about traffic on I-10. Several officials at the kickoff announcement earlier this month talked about the possibility of using the trains during hurricane evacuations. They didn't have many answers yet about how that would work. Between the lines: This route is being partially funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the City of Mobile and grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Zoom out: This is the fourth train route from the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans. The City of New Orleans route goes to Memphis and Chicago. The Sunset Limited goes to Los Angeles. The Crescent goes to Atlanta and New York. If you go: The Mardi Gras Service train is pet-friendly and you can bring luggage. The seats felt roomier than coach seats on airplanes, plus there was a lot more legroom. The train has a cafe and dining car with booth-style tables. The menu includes muffulettas, pralines, Zapp's chips and Abita beer. They also have free WiFi and bathrooms. 💭 Carlie's thought bubble: Amtrak was a convenient option for my husband when he broke his foot and needed to get to Birmingham. I've also taken it from Memphis to Chicago. I'm interested in trying the Gulf Coast route. 💭 Chelsea's thought bubble: I can totally see taking the Amtrak for a Mississippi beach day trip, especially because it would be easier to entertain a toddler while traveling on a train than in a car. Go deeper: Check the train schedule and fares.
