H.R.2166 - Safe Routes Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2166, the Safe Routes Act of 2025, proposes amendments to Title 23 of the United States Code, specifically concerning vehicle weight limitations for certain logging vehicles. The bill aims to provide exemptions from federal weight limits for vehicles transporting raw or unfinished forest products. This exemption applies to vehicles traveling up to 150 air miles on the Interstate from their origin to a storage or processing facility, provided they meet state legal weight tolerances.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would allow covered logging vehicles to operate under state weight tolerances on interstate highways, potentially increasing the efficiency of transporting raw forest products. This could lead to reduced transportation costs for the logging industry within specific regions. The waiver applies only to state legal weight tolerances in effect on the date of enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced transportation costs for logging companies.
- Increased efficiency in the movement of raw forest products.
- Support for the logging industry in states with existing weight tolerances.
- Potential for increased supply of raw forest products to processing facilities.
- Streamlined regulatory processes for covered logging vehicles.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased wear and tear on interstate highways due to heavier loads.
- Possible safety concerns related to heavier vehicles operating on highways.
- Inequity for other industries that do not receive similar weight exemptions.
- Limited applicability, as the exemption only applies to specific logging vehicles and distances.
- Potential for increased enforcement costs to ensure compliance with the bill's provisions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution (the Commerce Clause). The establishment of weight limits and exemptions for vehicles operating on interstate highways is a valid exercise of this power. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any other constitutional rights or limitations.
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).