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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation is ready to issue a new proposed rule that will allow more freedom for people operating drones, according to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

WASHINGTON — Transportation Research Board executives unveiled their list of critical issues at the group’s annual meeting Jan. 14.

Cathy Gautreaux, deputy administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, will be leaving the agency, an agency spokesman confirmed.

The Senate Republican caucus chose Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker to lead the Commerce Committee in the 116th Congress. Wicker succeeds Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who was promoted to the role of assistant Republican leader.

The newly elected governors of Kansas and Ohio have announced their choices to lead their states’ departments of transportation.

After a Dec. 31 report by the Iowa Department of Transportation that shows a $317,000 reduction in the Road Use Tax Fund in 2018, state officials have made recommendations to the Iowa Legislature such as increasing fees or charging taxes to electric vehicle owners.

Advocating for a sustainable solution for the federal Highway Trust Fund will be a top priority for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ new leader.

The largest autonomous vehicle test site in the United States has been acquired by AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah, one of the most familiar car-club brands in the country.

Drone-delivery technology company Flytrex announced it has raised $7.5 million in Series B funding, according to a Jan. 8 press release. This round brings the company’s total to $11 million.

In the debate over climate change, the heaviest polluters — think: power plants, trucks and cars — get the most attention from policymakers. New research suggests a broader view might be called for.