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Hours-of-service flexibility for truckers involved in critical relief efforts is one element of the federal government’s response to Tropical Depression Ida.

The national average price for a gallon of diesel rose 1.5 cents to $3.339, according to Energy Information Administration data released Aug. 30. But that did not include fuel price increases or consider the damage resulting from Hurricane Ida.

Although federal regulators are studying a possible change in the way motor carrier safety is measured, the Compliance Safety Accountability program is likely to remain in place, a trucking attorney told a group of industry executives.

Hurricane Ida forced Kansas City Southern to shut its main line in Louisiana and has halted exchanges between railroads in New Orleans, which may worsen delays in a U.S. shipping industry that already is stretched thin.

WASHINGTON — Hurricane Ida is sure to take a toll on the energy, chemical and shipping industries that have major hubs along the Gulf Coast. But the impact on the overall U.S. economy likely will be modest so long as damage estimates don’t rise sharply and refinery shutdowns are not prolonged, economists say.

The Federal Trade Commission is examining ways to crack down on mergers in the oil and gas industry and investigate whether gas station franchises are driving up gas prices as part of a Biden administration effort to combat higher costs at the pump.

The port of New Orleans has halted container terminal and break-bulk operations as Hurricane Ida lashes the Louisiana coast with torrential rain and heavy winds.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Tesla using its partially automated driving system slammed into a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser Aug. 28 on an interstate near downtown Orlando and narrowly missed its driver, who had pulled over to assist a disabled vehicle.

Some U.S. motorists who had been expecting an end-of-summer relief for gasoline prices should start bracing for higher costs at the pump in the coming days due to Hurricane Ida.

Hurricane Ida is taking aim on New Orleans on the 16th anniversary of Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.