[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.