Legislators
introduce bill to help truckers and loggers save on fuel costs
Local representatives support temporary weight limit increase
January 15, 2008
AUGUSTA – As the nation continues to struggle with skyrocketing
fuel prices, members of the Legislature and Governor Baldacci are proposing
a measure to help ease the pressure on Maine loggers and commercial truckers
for the forest products industry by allowing a temporary weight limit
increase through the winter months.
Bangor-area and Aroostook County legislators are co-sponsoring a bill
proposed by the governor, Rep. Boyd Marley, D-Portland, and Sen. Elizabeth
Schneider, D-Penobscot County that would allow a 5 percent increase
in the amount of weight that loggers and truckers carrying forest products
are allowed to carry, in order to consolidate loads and save fuel costs.
The forest products industry – which is a major economic driver
for the state - has been hit particularly hard by rising fuel prices,
as drivers in the independent trucking network hauling fiber from the
woods to processing are unable to pass the cost of higher fuel through
because they had signed the contracts previously.
Without the ability to carry more with each load, some truckers are simply
losing money by going to work.
"
Given the tough time truckers are having with astronomical fuel prices,
easing the weight restrictions on state roads north of Augusta would
allow truckers to save a little time and money by using these routes," said
Rep. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.
Current state law sets a weight limit of 100,000 lbs. for 6-axle tractor-trailers
operating on Maine roads and bridges. The bill would allow a temporary
increase to 105,000 pounds until April 1, as the governor’s office
and committee members’ research indicates that Maine’s
roads and bridges can tolerate the increase for short durations.
“
I have heard from many in the wood products industry who can’t
make ends meet with these record high fuel costs,” said Rep. Ben
Pratt, D-Eddington. “These folks are one of the keys to the economy
of our region. This temporary measure will provide some very needed help
through these trying economic times.”
The bill was proposed based in part on the work of a bipartisan group
of legislators, including members of the Transportation committee who
had been working with Governor Baldacci’s Office and members
of the trucking and forest products industry to address the issues
the industry has been facing this winter due to record fuel costs.
“
Many people in our community are feeling very serious impacts due to
the high cost of fuel,” said Rep. Bob Duchesne, D-Hudson. “This
legislation is a positive step the State can take to help the men and
women working in the woods to be able to continue to make a living.”
The legislation, LD 2155, will have a hearing in the Transportation Committee
before it makes its way back to both chambers for passage, and Marley – who
is also the House Chair of the Committee – said that the Committee
will take up the bill as soon as possible. Since the proposal has been
designated emergency legislation, it would go into effect immediately
after Governor Baldacci signs it into law.
Contact:
Travis Kennedy, Communications Director, 287-1433
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