Republican Virginia Rep. John McGuire introduced his first legislation in Congress on Friday. This introduced measures aimed at reducing transportation costs for Virginia’s agricultural and logging industries by allowing heavy loads on interstates.
“Agriculture and forestry transport efficiency methodsShared with the Daily Call News Foundation, it will increase the maximum allowable weight for trucks carrying unprocessed produce on Virginia’s interstate roads to 90,000 pounds, matching the state road’s existing weight limits. Under current regulations, these vehicles must use country roads. Industry leaders argue that it is inefficient and unsafe. (Related: Exclusive: GOP officials announce plans to rescue US farmers who have gone bankrupt from China’s economic attacks)
“The Virginia logging and agriculture industry relies on our highways to provide goods and services throughout the federation,” McGuire said in a statement shared with the DCNF. “For me, this is safe, this bill will help farmers and loggers supply and fuel this country by moving their products more efficiently and increasing transport safety. .”
McGuir 007 XML Lumber Bill by TJenglish01 With scribd
The proposal has gained support from multiple industry groups, including the Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Loggers Association and the American Loggers Council.
“The increased weight limit will help increase efficiency, reduce truck traffic on rural roads, and reduce shortages in hauling,” said Scott Sink, CEO of Virginia Farm Bureau, provided to DCNF. It stated in a press release. “The Virginia Farm Bureau would like to thank for its leadership on this important issue.”
Supporters also argue that demanding heavy trucks to use rural areas and secondary roads increases the risk of accidents.
“Translating commercial trucks away from available interstate highways will lead to more accidents and deaths,” said Ron Jenkins, executive director of the Virginia Loggers Association. “This law is extremely necessary and will improve the safety of the highways for truck drivers and the public.”
Under the proposal, vehicles carrying raw crops, logs, devastated wood and other raw forest products could travel on the Virginia Interstate with weights already permitted on state roads . Industry officials say this will reduce fuel consumption, emissions and overall transportation costs.
The legislator’s bill was also supported by New Kent County Sheriff Lee Bailey. Republican Virginia Rep. Rob Whitman has also expressed his support for the measure.
Through God’s grace, I am a member of the 5th District of Virginia.
Thank you for your prayers and support. pic.twitter.com/23e0aeki9o
– Rep. John McGuire (@Repjohnmcguire) January 4, 2025
McGuire was elected in November 2024 to represent Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. Before his election to the US House of Representatives, he served as a seal of the Navy, a Virginia House of Representatives and a temporary serving in the Virginia Senate.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan newswire service that is free to use for legitimate news publishers that can provide large audiences. All republished articles must include logos, reporter signatures and DCNF affiliation. For questions regarding our guidelines or partnerships with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
