[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 35 (Monday, September 5, 1994)]
[Pages 1723-1724]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Hazardous Materials Transportation 
Authorization Act of 1994

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.

[[Page 1724]]

    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 streamlining 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, approved August 26, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
311. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.