    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [August 26, 1994]
    [Pages 1505-1506]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Transportation Legislation
    August 26, 1994

        I am very pleased today to sign H.R. 2178, the ``Hazardous Materials
    Transportation Authorization Act of 1994.'' This accomplishes two
    important objectives of my Administration--reducing outmoded and
    unnecessary Government regulation and enhancing public safety on our
    Nation's roads.
        This is the second piece of important legislation that I have
    approved this summer to reduce unnecessary government regulation of the
    trucking industry, thereby helping to keep our economy strong and
    competitive. Title VI of the Federal Aviation Administration
    Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-305) removed the heavy burden
    of inconsistent State regulation of the trucking industry, which costs
    consumers up to $8 billion a year in added freight transportation costs
    for virtually everything we buy. Title II of the Act that I am signing
    today provides additional regulatory reforms at the Federal level.
        Title II will greatly reduce the massive Interstate Commerce
    Commission (ICC) paperwork burdens faced by the trucking industry, while
    preserving existing Federal safety regulations. The Act also continues
    the process of streamlin-

    [[Page 1506]]

    ing the ICC's programs, and requires a study of how to do even more to
    reduce further the scope of regulatory requirements that have outlived
    their usefulness. I expect the Secretary of Transportation and the
    Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission to be both deliberate and
    thorough in identifying the remaining reforms that are necessary.
        In addition to streamlining regulatory requirements, this Act
    authorizes a strong Federal program to regulate hazardous materials
    transportation. It authorizes additional appropriations for the training
    of emergency response personnel; makes Indian tribes eligible for
    emergency response planning grants; and ensures that the National
    Intelligent Vehicle Highway System Program addresses the use of its
    technologies to promote hazardous materials safety. These measures will
    promote the continued safe transportation of hazardous materials and aid
    in our efforts to increase the safe operation of all commercial motor
    vehicles.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    August 26, 1994.

    Note: H.R. 2178, ``To amend the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
    to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997,
    and for other purposes,'' approved August 26, was assigned Public Law
    No. 103-311.