OK congressman says proposed federal regulation would harm truckers, farmers, ranchers
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KOKH) — Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen (R) is trying to put the brakes on a proposed federal rule that he argues would negatively impact farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed putting speed limiting devices on semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs.
However, Rep. Brecheen asserted that the move would hit truckers with an extra, unnecessary expense — and especially harm small operators.
Additionally, he worries the regulation would make roads less safe.
The congressman shared that his own experience in the business of hauling heavy equipment was key in bringing forward the DRIVE Act.
The bill would prevent the FMCSA from implementing the speed limiter rule.
According to Rep. Brecheen, large-scale operators can better handle the cost of acquiring a limiting device— but independent truckers would have more difficulty affording them.
He noted that, "This is typical of regulation. The, the large entities are able to, because of economy of scale, be able to eat it. The little guys, it's one more reason why you're, you're causing more monopolization in every industry. It's the federal government regulations."
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is standing with the congressman. The group described the disagreement as one between small businesses and large operations— and truckers against Washington.
According to Jay Grimes, director of federal affairs for the OOIDA, "Small business operators, who are the safest, most experienced drivers on our nation's highways, we heard from some of them. They're going to leave the industry if this mandate were to go into effect."
Rep. Brecheen added that the rule would impact farmers and ranchers— and put red tape between them and transporting equipment.
"You can't legally transport it. You got to go buy... a speed limitation device that the federal government now says you can't save yourself money. And so for small margin farming, ranching, it's just another... regulatory affront to making a living for [the] hardworking men and women of the United States."
According to the congressman, Arkansas passed a similar rule and saw accidents increase— and vehicles going 10 miles below the speed limit cause accidents 227 percent more frequently than those driving at the speed limit.
The OOIDA expects the rule to limit truck speeds to 60 to 65 miles per hour.
"They don't often get the real world... implications that their rulemakings has on the millions and millions of truck drivers across the country," explained Grimes.
At the time of this article's publication, the proposed rule had yet to take effect.
The OOIDA next expects a notice of rulemaking from the FMCSA in June to be followed by a public comment period.
The agency did not immediately respond to FOX 25's request for comment.
According to Rep. Brecheen's office, other groups that have voiced support for his legislation include theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, United States Cattlemen’s Association, Western States Trucking Association, Livestock Marketing Association, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, and Towing and Recovery Association of America.
As of Friday, ten other Republican members of Congress had cosponsored the legislation.
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