KEY AGENCIES
Feb 20, 2026 Updates
There was no reportable FHWA activity last week.
The Federal Maritime Commission is seeking public comment by March 27 on allegations that ocean carriers are restricting chassis choice—citing its February 2024 IMCC v. OCEMA decision—and requests input on chassis availability, carrier-designated providers, and related practices under the Shipping Act.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking comments (due March 11) on an exemption request from the Federation of Professional Truckers that would allow drivers and small carriers to use manual logs in place of electronic logging devices (ELDs).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule (effective March 16) tightening CDL eligibility for non-domiciled drivers by limiting it to certain visa holders (H-2A, H-2B, E-2), prohibiting use of EADs as proof of eligibility, and requiring states to verify lawful status through the SAVE system.
USDOT’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology issued an RFI to inform its FY26–30 transportation R&D strategic plan, seeking input on research priorities, emerging trends/gaps, coordination, standards/interoperability, and deployment—comments due February 12.
Union Pacific Railroad notified the Surface Transportation Board that it will refile its merger application with Norfolk Southern Railway on April 30 after the STB found the initial filing lacked sufficient market share projections and required supporting documentation.
Other Offices & Agencies
- The Trump Administration released a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) pursuant to the April 2025 Executive Order on “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” outlining an interagency strategy to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, expand the maritime workforce, and strengthen the maritime industrial base.
- The Supreme Court of the United States struck down the Administration’s tariffs imposed under IEEPA in a 6–3 decision, ruling the President exceeded his authority and intruded on Congress’s tariff powers, and shortly thereafter President Trump announced plans to pursue a 10 percent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
- The Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule rescinding the 2009 Endangerment Finding under the Clean Air Act—repealing all GHG emission standards for motor vehicles and engines through MY2032—prompting announced legal challenges from California and environmental groups, with the rule set to take effect April 20.
- Internal Revenue Service
- Maritime Administration
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- National Labor Relations Board
- Office of the United States Trade Representative
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Labor
- International Maritime Organization
