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Senate urges Congress to lift freeze on longer combination vehicle limits for Western states
Summary
The Senate passed SJR6 urging Congress to reconsider weight/length freezes that limit longer combination vehicles; sponsors argued the change would reduce trucks on roads, save fuel and lower emissions, while noting it requires federal action (27–0–2).
The Utah Senate voted to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 6, a nonbinding measure urging Congress to lift a freeze on longer combination vehicle use in Western states. Senator Jenkins, presenting the resolution, said the freeze—dating to about 1990—constrains Western freight operations and described research and industry feedback that longer combinations can be more efficient and have safety and environmental benefits. "We had, the president of UPS tell us that if we could fix this, it would save them a million dollars a year in gasoline only," Jenkins said on the floor.
Senator Van Tassel supported the resolution and noted the local impact: a single company in Roosevelt moving oil could require dozens more truck trips per day under smaller trailer rules. Senators discussed the federal weight formulas and axle-load comparisons referenced by the sponsor. The resolution does not change state law; it asks Congress to reassess federal limits to permit longer combinations in Western states. The Senate adopted SJR6 by roll call, 27 yeas, 0 nays and 2 absences.
The measure is an expression of the Senate's position and does not by itself change federal or state trucking regulations; supporters said it would reduce highway traffic and emissions if federal policy were changed. Opponents did not register formal floor opposition during the debate.
