Adoption of TRB Special Report Recommendations by Congress

Adoption of TRB Special Report Recommendations by Congress and Federal Agencies Illustrative Examples, 1984 -2007 Transportation Research Board of the National Academies

Key to Citations P. L. = Public Law n H. R. = Legislation that passed House of Representatives n S. = Legislation that passed Senate n CR = Congressional Record n FR = Federal Register n

Special Report 286 (2006) Congress adopted report recommendations for a national tire fuel efficiency rating system and consumer information about passenger car tire fuel efficiency. P. L. 101 -140, Sec. 111.

Special Report 283 (2005) Recommended cooperative research program supported and $5 million in funding authorized by Congress in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title VII, Sec. 7131.

Special Report 281 (2004) USDOT adopted recommendation to develop risk-based guidance to assist local governments regulating land uses adjacent to transmission pipelines. Report to Congress on Encroachment and OPS Implementation Plan. USDOT. 2004.

Special Report 279 (2004) Recommendations that USDOT measure, monitor, and report on system performance to Congress endorsed by USDOT Maritime Administrator, 1/12/04. Congress appropriated funds to begin analysis in FY 2005.

Special Report 278 (2004) Recommendations regarding seat belt reminder systems and revision of law limiting use of seat belt interlock systems endorsed by the Senate in 2004. S. 1072, Sec. 4159.

Special Report 275 (2003) Recommendations for increased funding for worker education and retraining and funding for agency partnering with colleges and universities to develop curricula adopted by Congress in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title V, Sec. 5204 (e) and (f).

Special Report 272 (2003) Recommended research program adopted by Congress in 2003 P. L. 108 -176, Title VII, Sec. 712. Congress appropriated funds beginning in FY 2005.

Special Report 264 (2002) Recommended retention of CMAQ program and increased emphasis on project evaluation adopted by Congress in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title I, Sec. 1808 (h).

Special Report 268 (2002) Congress authorized recommended planning and environmental research program at $17 million annually in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title V, Sec. 5207.

Special Report 265 (2002) NHTSA’s rollover ratings since 2004 based on the recommended revised risk model. 68 FR 198; 59, 250 -259, 304 (10/14/03). NHTSA also conducted recommended research on informing consumers about detailed ratings.

Special Report 261 (2001) Recommendations for broader stakeholder involvement in, and merit and peer review of, FHWA research programs and increased investment in advanced research adopted by Congress in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title V, Sec 5201 (a) and (g).

Special Report 260 (2001) Congress authorized recommended research program for $50 million annually in 2005. P. L. 109 -59, Title V, Sec. 5210.

Special Report 259 (2001) Congress directed the USCG to establish and publish the recommended environmental equivalency index in 2004. This index allows for comparison of single and double hull designs in containing oil outflow in the event of a collision or grounding. P. L. 108 -293, Sec. 705. 70 FR 14777, 7/20/05.

Special Report 255 (1999) Based on the conclusions and recommendations in this report, the USDOT dropped its plans to issue regulations dealing with predatory pricing. The USDOT Office of the Secretary cited the conclusions extensively in inviting public comment on revisions to regulations governing computer reservation systems to ensure protection of consumer interests. 67 FR 221 69366 -69428 (11/15/02).

Special Report 242 (1994) Congress adopted recommendation to extend term of congestion pricing pilot program. P. L. 105 -78, Sec. 1216(a). FHWA adopted recommendation that single occupant vehicles be eligible to pay tolls to access HOV lanes. 63 FR 53487 (10/5/98); 66 FR 23077 (5/7/01).

Special Report 239 (1993) USDOT endorsed findings of SR 239 in its report to Congress (USDOT 1994). RSPA held two workshops in 2002 regarding whether hazmat placards are a security risk; its report again endorsed conclusions of SR 239 (USDOT 2003).

Special Report 234 (1992) Recommendation to create a statistical bureau in USDOT adopted by Congress in the creation of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. P. L. 102 -240, Sec. 6000.

Special Report 222 (1989) NHTSA adopted regulations based upon findings and recommendations regarding efficacy of seat belts on school buses and other measures to improve safety. 54 FR 296229 (2/89); 56 FR 1164 (3/91); 56 FR 53614 (10/91); 57 FR 17012 (4/92).

Special Report 219 (1988) Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act of 1996 directed USDOT to evaluate recommendations of SR 219 and report to Congress on implementation. P. L. 104— 304, Sec. 60127.

Special Report 216 (1987) FHWA adopted recommended lower BAC for commercial drivers, along with recommended sanctions for violation. 53 FR 39044 (10/88). n USDOT cited SR 216 in setting alcohol testing policies for transportation workers regulated by USDOT agencies n 59 FR 7302 (2/94). DOE relied on report findings in its random drug testing regulations for personnel in sensitive positions n 69 FR 15, 3213 -32315 (1/04); 67 FR 137, 46912 -46913 (7/02).

Special Report 213 (1987) Congress authorized the recommended transit cooperative research program. P. L. 102, Title I, Part A. Funding appropriated annually since FY 1991.

Special Report 204 (1984) Estimated costs and benefits cited extensively by Members of Congress in debates over maximum speed limit law and over raising maximum on rural interstates. n 132 CR H. 5557 (7/86); 132 CR S. 13284 (7/86); 133 CR S. 1452 (2/87); 133 CR S. 1530 (2/87); 133 CR H. 1420 (3/87). Congress amended criteria for assessing state compliance as recommended. P. L. 100 -17, Title II. n

Special Report 202 (1984) Congress authorized the recommended 5 -yr, $150 million strategic highway research program. P. L. 100 -17, Title I.