Skip to main content

Mixed welcome for Trump’s nomination for US Transportation Secretary

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has welcomed Donald Trump’s nomination of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary. "This is a step in the right direction as former labour secretary Chao previously served in key leadership positions at the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and in the private sector. She realises the challenges facing the transportation system and how it affects individual businesses and communities and the nation as a whole," said Jeffrey F. Paniati, ITE executive
December 5, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 5667 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has welcomed Donald Trump’s nomination of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary.

"This is a step in the right direction as former labour secretary Chao previously served in key leadership positions at the 324 US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and in the private sector. She realises the challenges facing the transportation system and how it affects individual businesses and communities and the nation as a whole," said Jeffrey F. Paniati, ITE executive director and CEO. "ITE looks forward to continuing our work with USDOT to help serve all users of the transportation system."

However, the Insurance Journal claimed that her record as secretary of labour suggested she might have a light hand when it comes to safety regulation as head of the Transportation Department and would seek to shift responsibility from the federal government to states where possible. It claimed her record suggests she would be sceptical of new safety regulations and may attempt to roll back existing regulations.

Announcing her nomination, Trump said, “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner.”

“The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country’s infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,” Chao said in a statement released with Trump’s announcement.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New officers for IBTTA in 2023
    January 12, 2023
    Appointees to executive committee of tolling organisation's board serve a one-year term
  • US traffic fatalities fall in 2014, but early estimates show 2015 trending higher
    December 22, 2015
    The US saw a slight decline in traffic deaths during 2014, according to the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, an increase in estimated fatalities during the first six months of this year reveals a need to reinvigorate the fight against deadly behaviour on America's roads, NHSA says.
  • New International Transport Forum secretary-general takes office
    August 17, 2012
    The International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD, an intergovernmental organisation with 54 member countries that acts as a strategic think tank for global transport policy and organises an annual summit of transport ministers, has announced that internationally renowned academic José Viegas of Portugal has taken office as secretary-general of the organisation. Elected by Ministers from Forum member countries at their summit in May, he joins the ITF from an internationally recognised career as an academi
  • UK needs new freight strategy says report
    June 22, 2016
    The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is calling for the UK Government to urgently introduce a national multi-modal freight strategy in a move to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality and boost the economy. According to its report ‘UK freight: in for the long haul’ up to 30 per cent of all haulage vehicles on UK roads are empty and about 150 million miles are driven unnecessarily by lorry drivers. It claims a national strategy could outline plans to make better use of urban consolidation centres