Air travel and rail transport were early examples of deregulation bringing huge benefits to consumers and industries. Yet automobility, air travel, and freight rail, are increasingly threatened with further regulation that will reduce their ability to transport goods and people. CEI opposes these attacks by arguing for greater freedom in mobility and opposing perverse transportation industry regulations.
Transportation Issue Areas
Featured Posts
The American Spectator
Will California Hobble the US Railroad Industry?
CEI’s Patricia Patnode is cited in Reason on the EPA’s imposition of regulation: As Patricia Patnode of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which signed the…
Blog
This week in ridiculous regulations: train crews and airport concessions
Our colleague R.J. Smith passed away. R.J. coined the term “free-market environmentalism,” ran CEI’s private conservation efforts for many years, and was a valued…
Daily Caller
Here’s Why It Could Take Longer To Rebuild The Baltimore Bridge Than The Whole Transcontinental Railroad
CEI’s Ryan Young is cited in Daily Caller about the length of time it is going to take to rebuild the Balitmore bridge: “If…
Search Posts
Blog
NHTSA Releases Improved Federal Automated Driving System Guidance
The Department of Transportation is putting its money where its mouth is in preventing overregulation of automated driving systems.
News Release
CEI Responds to NHTSA Self-Driving Car Guidance Updates
Marc Scribner of the Competitive Enterprise Institute responded today to the NHTSA announcement of updated guidance for self-driving cars: “The Department of Transportation’s…
Transportation Today
Flyers for Fairness Stumps for a Modernized ATC System
Transportation Today discusses the 21st Century AIRR Act with Marc Scribner. The average airline passenger in coach seating is being taken for a ride…
Bloomberg
Trump’s Regulators Ease the Path for Self-Driving Cars
Bloomberg discusses President Trump’s upcoming rules for self-driving cars with Marc Scribner. The Trump administration will alter the course set by the Obama administration on…
American Public Media
VIDEO: Marc Scribner Discusses the 21st Century AIRR Act on Marketplace
Marc Scribner, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses the 21st Century AIRR Act with Kimberly Adams on American Public Media’s Marketplace.
Washington Examiner
Bill Shuster Pushes Back Against Conservative Group’s Opposition to Air Traffic Control Privatization Bill
The Washington Examiner covers the American Conservative Union Foundation’s claim that the 21st Century AIRR Act would not privatize air traffic control. Read Marc Scribner’s…
Blog
American Conservative Union Statement Wrong on Air Traffic Control Reform
Spinning off air traffic control responsibilities into a nongovernmental nonprofit will save taxpayers more than $10 billion per year.
Politico
Member Up
Politico’s Morning Transportation covers a coalition, including CEI, advocating for legislation relating to self-driving cars. Lyft, Third Way, the American Council of the…
Blog
Does Global Warming Increase Motor Vehicle Fatalities?
A new study by retired Yale University epidemiologist Leon Robertson blames global warming for a 7 percent increase in U.S. road deaths in 2015 compared…
Blog
Fuel Economy Regulations Threaten Vehicle Safety
In 1992 a federal appeals court found that CAFE undercuts vehicle safety, by causing cars to be made smaller and light in order to meet…
Blog
Rideshare Drivers’ Future at Stake in Seattle
Recent events represent an existential threat to ridesharing in Seattle, and put drivers, passengers, and communities at risk of serious harm.
Blog
CEI Leads Coalition Urging Senators to Preserve Railroad Deregulation
The Senate Commerce Committee leadership should respect the indisputable gains of deregulation.
Greenwire
Harvey Amplifies Partisan Debate Over Flood, Zoning Rules
Greenwire discusses Houston zoning laws with Marc Scribner. Did regulations help Houston weather the impact of Hurricane Harvey, or did they hinder the city’s…
The Guardian
Self-Driving Cars Must Have Technology to Prevent Use in Terror, Lawmakers Say
The Guardian discusses the House’s passage of the SELF DRIVE Act with Marc Scribner. Self-driving vehicles will need to be equipped with cybersecurity…
Ars Technica
House Passes Law to Accelerate Adoption of Self-Driving Technology
Ars Technica discusses the House’s passage of the SELF DRIVE Act with Marc Scribner. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved legislation…
The New York Times
Self-Driving Cars’ Prospects Rise With Vote by House
The New York Times discusses the House’s passage of the SELF DRIVE Act with Marc Scribner. Lawmakers in the House took a major…
News Release
CEI-Led Coalition Opposes Price Controls on Freight Railroads
Today, a coalition of free market groups led by the Competitive Enterprise Institute sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee and Surface Transportation Subcommittee leaders…
Letters
CEI Leads Coalition Letter on Reciprocal Switching
View Full Document as PDF Dear Chairman Thune, Chair Fischer, and Ranking Members Nelson and Booker: As you return to work following…
News Release
CEI Commends Congress for Supporting Self-Driving Car Technology
Self-driving cars can offer consumers massive safety and mobility benefits. The SELF DRIVE Act isn't perfect, but it's a big step in the right direction.
Blog
SELF DRIVE Act to Face House Floor Vote
Congress needs to move forward on self-driving cars.
Washington Examiner
No, Houston’s Regulation Policy Didn’t Make Hurricane Harvey Flooding Worse
When a major American city is under eight feet of water, it’s a distasteful time to play politics. That hasn’t stopped multiple media commentators looking…
Washington Examiner
Blame Harvey’s Torrential Rain, Not Development, for Massive Flooding, Planning Experts Say
Washington Examiner discusses development in Houston in regards to Hurrican Harvey with Marc Scribner. Houston’s relaxed approach to development should not be blamed for…
Investor's Business Daily
With Angry Politics Dominating, Trump’s Smart Infrastructure Reforms Go Almost Unnoticed
Investor’s Business Daily cites 10,000 Commandments while Talking about President Trump’s infrastructure plan. Reform: Lost amid all the political name-calling last week, President…
Blog
Conservative Air Traffic Control Reform Opponents Continue Campaign of Falsehoods
Recently, I noted how corporate jet lobby National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) had attempted to trot out “Hero of the Hudson” Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger…
Blog
Will Politicians Let Unsubsidized Bike Share Compete?
The problem with monopoly bike-share contracts is that they are designed to benefit everyone except consumers and taxpayers.
Deseret News
Task Force Considering New Revenue Models for Transportation Infrastructure
Deseret News covers Marc Scribner’s testimony before the Utah Transportation Governance and Funding Task Force. Utah lawmakers are trying to account for potential…
Blog
Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards Are Inefficient: Study
The federal government’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program is a highly inefficient method for reducing either motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions or U.S. oil…
Blog
EPA to Revise Greenhouse Gas Rules for Refurbished Trucks
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt this week approved a petition to revise the agency’s heavy truck greenhouse gas emission standards rule.
Blog
More on ‘Sully’ and Private Jet Air Traffic Control Subsidies
Despite his status in public life, Sully does not represent the interests of American air travelers and is out of step with current airline pilots,…
Blog
What Is the Future of Surface Transportation Finance and Governance?
The fuel tax is becoming an increasingly unstable source of dedicated user revenue.
Salt Lake Tribune
Will Self-Driving Cars, Taxis Make Mass Transit Obsolete?
The Salt Lake Tribune covers Marc Scribner’s testimony before the Transportation Governance and Funding Task Force in Utah. Utah officials have long planned…
Comment
Testimony of Marc Scribner Before the Utah Transportation Governance and Funding Task Force
View Full Document as PDF Chairs Harper and Schultz, and members of the task force, thank you giving me the opportunity to…
The Hill
Senators Eye Ticket Fee to Overhaul Airports
The Hill covers the Senate’s attempt to raise the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) cap for airports and CEI’s endorsement of the measure. President…
Blog
‘Sully’ Wrong on Air Traffic Control Reform
We urge Sully to do his homework and to critically assess the false, anti-consumer claims he is parroting on behalf of the corporate jet lobby.
Ars Technica
You Still Cannot Vape on US Inbound, Outbound Flights
True Viral News covers CEI’s objection to a DOT ban on electronic cigarettes on flights. A divided federal appeals court is upholding a…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Airport Ticket Fee Boost Gets Lift in Congress
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covers CEI’s support of increasing the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) cap. Airports including Atlanta’s are pushing for an increase in…
Blog
California Legislature Moves to Replace Federal Electric Vehicle Subsidies
Thanks to the federal government, purchasers of electric vehicles are given a $7,500 tax credit.
Blog
Time to Fix our Nation’s Aviation Systems
The time to systemically improve our nation’s aviation infrastructure is now.
Blog
House Energy & Commerce Committee Considers Self-Driving Vehicle Legislation
This bill improves on the definition of “automated driving system” in a manner that likely ensures its constitutionality.
Blog
Senate Appropriations Committee to Consider Airport Fee Increase
The Senate Appropriations Committee will consider a provision that would increase the airport passenger facility charge cap from $4.50 to $8.
Bloomberg BNA
Cybersecurity Questions Swirl Around Autonomous Vehicle Bills
Bloomberg BNA discusses autonomous vehicle regulations with Marc Scribner. The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to mark up a bill July 27…
The Fix
Vaping Ban Upheld By Federal Court
The Fix discusses the Department of Transportation e-cigarette ban with Sam Kazman. A federal court has stamped out a challenge to the Department of…
Blog
Does the Car of the Future Require a “Talking Car” Mandate?
The Competitive Enterprise Institute is hosting an event later today where a proposal to require all new cars in the United States come outfitted…
Bloomberg
‘No Smoking’ Also Applies to E-Cigarettes on Flights, Court Says
Bloomberg covers a lawsuit CEI filed against the Department of Transportation airplane e-cigarette ban. Vaping is smoking, a federal appeals court ruled, upholding…
The Hill
Court Upholds Obama Rule Banning Vaping on Airplanes
The Hill covers a lawsuit filed by CEI against the Department of Transportation’s airplane vaping ban. A federal appeals court Friday upheld an…
The Wall Street Journal
Courts Rule E-Cigarettes Should Be Regulated Like Tobacco Products
The Wall Street Journal covers a lawsuit filed by CEI challenging the Department of Transportation’s ban on vaping on airplanes. A federal court…
Freight Waves
Today’s Pickup: State Laws May Limit Potential of Platoons
Freight Waves covers Marc Scribner’s Authorizing Automated Vehicle Platooning: A Guide for State Legislators, 2017 Edition. While platooning vehicles are close to real-world operation,…
Trucks.com
Hodgepodge of Traffic Laws Could Stymie Truck Platooning
Trucks.com discusses automated vehicle platooning with Marc Scribner, author of Authorizing Automated Vehicle Platooning: A Guide for State Legislators, 2017 Edition. Truck platooning,…
FleetOwner
Report: State Laws Need Changing to Support Platooning, AVs
FleetOwner discusses automated vehicle platooning with Marc Scribner, author of Authorizing Automated Vehicle Platooning: A Guide for State Legislators, 2017 Edition. Among…
Blog
Reform State Vehicle Codes to Enable Automated Vehicle Platooning
In the future, automated platooning will allow roadway capacity enhancements without costly physical roadway expansions.
Study
Authorizing Automated Vehicle Platooning, 2017 Edition
View Full Document as PDF Automated vehicles have captured the public’s imagination in recent years following successful on-road demonstrations by developers such…
Blog
Resources for Federal Aviation Reform
The United States’ aviation system needs a deep, institutional overhaul.
Washington Examiner
Air Traffic Control Reform Is a No-Brainer
Air travelers expect air traffic control to work, and that it be out of sight and mind. Unfortunately, ongoing government failure to modernize the Federal…
The Regulatory Review
Constructively Improving Railroad Regulations
Edward R. Hamberger, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, mentions a piece by Fred Smith and Marc Scribner regarding regulations of the…
Blog
2017 Competitive Enterprise Dinner Keynote: Elaine Chao
Remarks delivered by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at CEI’s “Through the Looking Glass” Annual Dinner & Reception.
Blog
Will the Swamp Let Trump Reform Fuel Economy?
The administration should explore the legal implications of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which prohibits states, like California, from adopting or enforcing laws or…
Paul Molloy Show
AUDIO: Marc Scribner discusses air traffic control on the Paul Molloy Show
June 21, 2017 – CEI senior fellow Marc Scribner discusses air traffic control on the Paul Molloy Show. Listen here.
Law360
Senate, House Panels Unveil Dueling FAA Funding Bills
CEI Senior Fellow Marc Scribner discusses air traffic control reform with Law360: Supporters of an air traffic control overhaul say the House bill…
Fox Business Network
VIDEO: Jim Harper Discusses the TSA’s new book policy on Fox Business
June 26, 2017 – Jim Harper, Vice President of CEI, discusses a new TSA policy requiring passengers to exclude books from carry-ons on Fox Business’…
Blog
Congress Should Embrace Airport Financing Reforms
Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a markup on its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The Senate Commerce Committee is considering…
Letters
CEI Leads Coalition Supporting Uncapped Passenger Facility Charge
View Full Document as PDF Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson: We write today in strong support of including an uncapped…
News Release
CEI Report: House Air Traffic Control Plan Seeks Big Improvements for Travelers
Two new reports from CEI tackle myths and facts about the 21st Century AIRR Act.
Blog
Reforming Air Traffic Control with the 21st Century AIRR Act
To aid in the public understanding of this important but complex reform proposal, CEI has released two policy briefs on the 21st Century AIRR Act.
Study
Dispelling Six Myths on Air Traffic Control Reform and Labor Relations
View Full Document as PDF In 2016, when House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) introduced legislation to reform the…
Study
Air Traffic Control Reform 2017: Frequently Asked Questions
View Full Document as PDF The air traffic control reforms contained in the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (21st Century AIRR)…
Los Angeles Times
California’s Clean Air Act Waiver Should Be Yanked, Trump’s Former Environmental Advisor Says
Los Angeles Times covers California’s Clean Air Act waiver and Myron Ebell’s comments at a training program hosted by the National Press Foundation.
Blog
Should Whole Foods Employees Fear Amazon?
Yes, individuals will lose their jobs to automation, but increases in productivity will boost demand that will, ultimately, require more human workers.
Blog
A Birthday Wish List for the President
Here are four gifts Congress should give the president before its annual July 4th recess.
WMAL
AUDIO: Marc Scribner Discusses Air Traffic Control Reform on WMAL
Marc Scribner, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discusses Air Traffic Control Reform on the Larry O’Connor Show on WMAL.
The Epoch Times
Trump’s Air Traffic Reform Looks to the Future
The Epoch Times discusses Trump’s air traffic control proposal with Marc Scribner. The future of aviation is upon us, but we may not…
The Hill
Trump May Restrict Length of Environmental Reviews Under Infrastructure Plan
The Hill covers Trasportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s remarks at CEI’s Annual Dinner and Reception. The Trump administration may enforce restrictions on the length…
News Release
Trump Administration’s “Buy America” Plan Will Be Burdensome and Costly
President Trump unveiled more of his ideas on infrastructure priorities and reforms in a speech today. CEI transportation policy expert Marc Scribner praised some reforms the president proposed…
Blog
Vox.com Snookered by Debunked 2016 CBO Score of Air Traffic Control Reform
The Trump administration released its “legislative principles” for reforming U.S. air traffic control, which closely mirror a reform proposal introduced in 2016 by House Transportation…
CNS News
The TSA Delays Transatlantic Laptop Ban
On May 30, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it would not impose a ban on laptop computers in airline cabins on transatlantic…
News Release
Air Traffic Reform Plan from White House Earns CEI Praise
Today, the White House announced a plan to reform air traffic control in America. CEI transportation policy expert Marc Scribner, who attended today’s announcement at…
Blog
TSA Delays Transatlantic Laptop Ban, Which CEI Questioned in Petition
On May 31, the Secretary of Homeland Security said the TSA “might” still impose a ban on transatlantic flights in the future.
Blog
Canada’s Air Traffic Provider Announces Lowered Fees; U.S. Should Embrace Same Model
Since the Canadian government decided 20 years ago to spin off air traffic control from the nation’s transportation department, Nav Canada has seen its inflation-adjusted…
Blog
Rep. Meadows Introduces Transportation Performance-based Regulatory Reform Bill
Today, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced the Revamping American Infrastructure Act of 2017 (H.R. 2714), which aims to “facilitate the use of outcome-based performance…
RealClear Future
Straight Talk on the “Talking Car” Mandate
Will another driver’s car “talking” with yours someday save your life? The answer, from regulators and many automakers, is a resounding “Yes.” Such a promising…
The Hill
Transportation Department Faces Cuts Under Trump Budget
The Hill discusses President Trump’s proposed budget in terms of transportation with Marc Scribner. Funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and a…
News Release
CEI Reviews Trump Budget on Regulation, EPA, Transportation and Infrastructure
Policy experts offered their first takes on President Trump's budget, with a focus on regulatory reform, the EPA, and transportation and infrastructure reforms.
Politico
Morning Transportation Mailbag
Politico covers a coalition letter led by CEI urging lawmakers to allow an open bidding process on any infrastructure package. A coalition of…
Blog
Drone Hobbyist Defeats FAA’s Illegal Model Aircraft Registration Rule
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of Maryland attorney John Taylor, a drone hobbyist who challenged the…
Politico
Morning Transportation Mailbag
Politico Morning Transportation covers a coalition letter led by CEI urging the House Trasportation Committee to Supprt H.R. 1265 which would raise the Passenger Facility…
News Release
CEI Petitions DHS to Follow the Law: U.S. Aircraft Laptop Ban Must Go Through Public Notice and Comment
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently banned passengers from carrying electronic devices larger than a cell phone in the cabin on any nonstop flights…
Forbes
These Federal Aviation Administration Regulations Are Why We’re Not Going to Mars
During president Donald Trump’s discussion about drinking processed urine on the International Space Station with duration record-setter Peggy Whitson, the exchange turned to a…
Comment
Petition for Rulemaking on TSA Laptop Ban
View Full Document as PDF Dear Counsel: This is a rulemaking petition requesting that Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration…
Blog
CEI Leads Coalition Supporting DeFazio-Massie PFC Uncap Bill
Today, a coalition of free market groups sent a joint letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership urging them to support the “Investing…
Letters
CEI Leads Coalition Letter in Support of Rebuilding America’s Airports Infrastructure Act (H.R. 1265)
View Full Document as PDF Dear Chairmen Shuster and LoBiondo and Ranking Members DeFazio and Larsen: We write today in strong support…
The Hill
Why Does Air Travel Seem So Miserable?
The Hill discusses recent changes in the consumer experience of flying with Marc Scribner. Bloodied passengers getting dragged off flights. Airport brawls. Shrinking…
Letters
CEI Joins Coalition Letter Urging Responsibility in Upcoming Transportation and Infrastructure Spending
View Full Document as PDF Dear Senators and Representatives: On behalf of our organizations and the millions of Americans we represent, we…
Blog
Technology and Process Failures at TSA
The Transportation Security Administration has a history of tripping over itself to rush out technologies that are ill-considered and invasive.
Blog
California’s Proposed Automated Vehicle Regulations under Fire
Unless they cease attempting to involve their state in matters of federal responsibility, California’s politicians and bureaucrats will have blood on their hands.
Comment
CEI Comments to the California DMV on Autonomous Vehicle Regulations
View Full Document as PDF Dear Mr. Soublet, On behalf of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (“CEI”), I respectfully submit these comments in…
Law360
United Airlines Incident Highlights Limited Consumer Rights
Law360 discusses a United Airlines poor customer service incident with Marc Scribner. “It was clearly an example of really bad customer service on…
Law360
Amtrak Chases Priority Track After Regulatory Power Axed
Law360 discusses a federal statute that allows Amtrack to set performance and scheduling standards with Marc Scribner. “This court saw it correctly that…
Automotive News
Federal V2V Mandate Meets Growing Resistance
Automotive News discusses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology mandate with Marc Scribner. The failure to consider alternative technologies…
Bloomberg
Talking-Car Safety Mandate Hits Unexpected Pothole Of Opposition
Bloomberg discusses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed vehicle-to-vehicle communication mandate with Marc Scribner. The failure to consider alternative technologies is a…
Blog
In Wake of United Debacle, Give Airlines – and Travelers – More Flexibility
Most of the time it’s actually government policies that end up ruining a traveler’s day.
Los Angeles Times
Let Richard Branson Kill United Airlines
Los Angeles Times highlights Marc Scribner’s comments on how government policy has lead to poor airline service. Yes, airlines on the continent come…