The trade organization representing some 2,000 truck stops and travel plazas today urged the U.S. Senate to “quickly confirm” President Joe Biden’s choice for Secretary of Transportation.
The National Association of Truck Stop Owners reiterated its support of former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg as the Senate prepares to vote on his nomination Wednesday, Jan. 27. In a statement today, NATSO said it looks forward to partnering with Buttigieg on the Biden Administration’s infrastructure initiatives and goals. NATSO also said it’s encouraged the Biden Administration considers infrastructure investment as a key driver of economic and job relief and one of its top priorities.
“NATSO is ready to work with Mr. Buttigieg on an array of transportation issues, including the need for long-term, sustainable highway funding and the need to support policies that encourage off-highway businesses and communities to thrive and evolve,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “Fundamental to this effort is maintaining existing policies that prohibit commercialization of Interstate rest areas and the longstanding ban on tolling existing Interstate Highways.
“NATSO is also eager to work with Mr. Buttigieg on policies that further encourage private-sector investment in alternative fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging, to more quickly bring alternative fuels to market.”
The statement also said NATSO is pleased “Buttigieg recognizes the important role that Federal infrastructure policy plays for local businesses and communities that thrive because of the interstate highway system.”
Buttigieg appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation last week and was praised by other trucking-related organizations.