H.R.1487 - Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1487, the "Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act," proposes amending Title 23 of the United States Code to increase the maximum gross vehicle weight for certain agricultural vehicles operating on specific segments of the Interstate System within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill allows Virginia to issue special permits for covered agricultural vehicles, not exceeding 90,000 pounds, transporting unprocessed agricultural crops or raw forest products. This aims to improve the efficiency of transporting agricultural and forestry products within Virginia.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would allow heavier agricultural vehicles on specific Interstate segments in Virginia, potentially streamlining the transportation of agricultural and forestry products. This could lead to reduced transportation costs for farmers and forestry businesses in the region. The change is limited to Virginia and specific types of vehicles.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced transportation costs for agricultural and forestry businesses in Virginia.
- Increased efficiency in the movement of agricultural and forestry products.
- Potential for increased competitiveness of Virginia's agricultural and forestry sectors.
- Could lead to lower prices for consumers due to reduced transportation expenses.
- Supports local economies by facilitating the movement of goods.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased wear and tear on Interstate highways in Virginia.
- Possible safety concerns related to heavier vehicles operating on the roads.
- May require increased monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with permit requirements.
- Could create inconsistencies with federal weight limits in other states.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the definition of 'covered agricultural vehicle' is too broad.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By setting regulations for vehicles operating on the Interstate System, the bill falls under this purview. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but in this case, the federal government is setting the regulation and allowing an exception for Virginia.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).