James Oberstar: “This amendment is about opening the door to allow bigger and bigger trucks on our interstate highway system. And…”

“This amendment is about opening the door to allow bigger and bigger trucks on our interstate highway system. And although this amendment is drafted in a form that appears to apply only to the State of New Hampshire, its impact will reach all States, all taxpayers, and all motorists. Allowing these superheavy trucks on the interstates in New Hampshire would cause substantial bridge damage, cost the taxpayers money, and threaten the safety of motorists, and not just impacting the people of New Hampshire but people all across this country. Let me explain. Operating 99,000-pound trucks on New Hampshire's interstates would require replacing and strengthening interstate bridges, at a huge cost to taxpayers all over this country. Heavier single tractor trailer trucks do not pay for all the damage they do to roadways. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a 100,000-pound six-axle single tractor-trailer truck pays only 40 percent. Taxpayers pay the rest. Not just taxpayers in New Hampshire, but all across this country.”