Leaders from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, as well as the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, wrote Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao this week to applaud efforts undertaken by the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council.
“Strong leadership is critical at the Federal level to support innovative transportation in the U.S. to improve mobility,” U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), as well as U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Sam Graves (R-MO), wrote. “Your establishment of the NETT Council seeks to provide this guidance and leadership. The Department must now take the next steps to ensure existing mechanisms are workable to regulate emerging technologies effectively. We appreciate the thoughtful approach to addressing oversight gaps for emerging technologies taken to date, and urge you to continue to advance the process upon receiving stakeholder input from the public comment period.
The NETT Council seeks to improve connectivity and safety in the national transportation system through new, innovative technology. However, gaps remain, particularly in jurisdiction and regulation, which lawmakers worry could impede the deployment of these technologies. The USDOT also recently published a Federal Register notice seeking comments on the regulatory models and alternatives the NETT Council could consider for such technologies.
“Our transportation system continues to evolve, and it is imperative that our regulatory oversight and safety checks keep pace,” the lawmakers wrote. “Businesses cannot innovate if the regulatory frameworks in place are unworkable for prompt and safe testing and implementation of new technology, particularly if such innovations could lead to changes that improve the safety and efficiency of travel for people and goods. At the same time, we must ensure safety is the priority when considering new technology.”
The recent notice, lawmakers noted, was an important step toward innovation and improvements to connectivity and safety.