Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Climate Change and Environmental Issues "Greener" Trucking - Or Something Else ?

By Melody Himmel Scalley @ American Thinker 8/15/11

http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/08/strange_friends_of_the_new_epa_trucking_regulations.html

There's no more "American" symbol of independence, pride and self-reliance than the Over the Road Trucker since the days of the cowboy. Tall, lean, steely-eyed, dominating the helm of a sparkling semi-rig with skill and elan and serving america all while rescuing stranded travelers. (Or at least that's the TV-popular image anyway.) But its been "targeted" by the Obama Administration and/or industry economic forces.

Industry supportive of more restrictive Obama Administration regs does seem odd. At least until you look at who the supporters are, that is. The ATA (American Trucking Association" is primarly comprised of major freight carriers with vast fleets and hourly drivers. Theirs is an "economy of scale" and "political/union" clout; unions supportive of Democrats, BTW. Their CEO, Bill Graves is even calling for more regulation !

OTOH, the OOIDA (Owner Operator Independent Drivers ) has a mere "Director of Regulatory Affairs" Joe Rajkovacz. The announced regulatory changes will hit the "Indies" - already hobbled by more pervuasive DOT regs - much harder than the fleets.

Looks like another win/win set up by the Obama Administration to me. It throws a bone to the Teamsters Union, garners some support from big business by squeezing out the small guys, ( and getting in a crotch kick to small business ) while looking good to the watermelons. >Mech

If it squashes the small business/little guy, then the GOP should be lining up to vote for this, and encourage it's strict enforcement.

Yes. I would think that this would be a Republican wet dream.

And the Dems haven't ever "squashed the small guy" S.G. ?

Most of past "Dem Darling Regs" imposed by the EPA targeted the "small guy" ! Think small foundries/forges doing "onesie/twosie" runs closed by EPA AQ regs. Small business being hit literally "overnight" with workplace standards so far in excess of accepted practice as to drive them into receivership. Think of how key Democrats "killed" major technology/efficiency improvements in the auto business in favor of supporting their union bases.

Don't think you can make much of a case for your contention, S.C. ! >Mech

Nice to see the "Democrat's propaganda meme" still works ! >Mech

Care to give me some documented examples ?
(Where have I heard that before?)

Everyone knows that every regulation the Federal government imposes is applied equally with out regard to scale. This is obvious the case. The only reasons these regulations exist (and their only effects) are to destroy small business and increase costs to the average American.

Are you ever going to get another bit of boiler plate, LT ?

Guess you're fortunate to never had your neighbors/friends lose their jobs to the "instant application" of new EPA regs. Can't think of any good reason to educate you, either. >Mech

And how well the "indies" know it, IRKED !

I'm just "running on the sidelines" now. Had the idea of putting a rig "on the road" with my youngest until his death. >Mech

Jeez, mech. You're asking for documentation now from others, but you've never supplied any yourself. Is it that hard to back up your statements? I'm trying to help you establish a bit of credibility, man.

This is the first time I have ever heard of "instant application of EPA regs". I didn't call BS on you, I asked for documentation. Educate me.