DOT to Withhold $40 Million in Funding from California
The newest chapter in the California saga unfolds, as last we wrote about the ongoing battle between state and federal government, California was only one of a few states not complying with new regulations regarding issuance of non-domiciled CDLs. However, according to Sean Duffy of the Department of Transportation, California is the only state that is not enforcing the English language requirements on the road, and for every action there is an opposite reaction.
Details
“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road,” Duffy said in a statement.
Because of this, the Department of Transportation is planning to withhold $40 million in federal funding for things such as highway construction, with another $160 million to be withheld if the Golden State does not resolve the issue with non-domiciled CDLs.
Government officials from California have since responded, such as general counsel of the California Traffic Agency Alicia Fowler:
“…there is no federal requirement that English language proficiency be established through “roadside inspections.” 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(2) has not been amended to require roadside tests for English language proficiency. And the FMCSA’s guidelines on assessing English language proficiency do not obligate State Lead Agencies to conduct examinations or impose enforcement procedures during roadside inspections,” Fowler stated. Additionally, she cited statistics that state California drivers have a lower crash rate than the national average.
Conclusion
This argument between President Trump’s Administration and Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration continues to heat up, with no end in sight. The most likely outcome is that California will outright refuse to enforce specific regulations it does not want to be involved with, even if that means a withdrawal of funding, of which California will likely supplement in other ways such as an increased fuel tax.
What are your thoughts on these butting heads between state and federal government? Let us know down in the comments.
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