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Atlantic Richfield Co. is testing a new diesel fuel that could reduce air pollutants that spew from cars, trucks and buses.

An Arkansas Senate vote to ease up on truckers could push a major highway plan through the Legislature by week's end. The Senate backtracked Wednesday from imposing an immediate 4-cent-a-gallon diesel tax increase to fund highway improvements and settled for phasing in the increase over 12 months.

"How's My Driving?" stickers were once the butt of jokes, considered "Big Brother" on the road. Today, the decals are affixed to hundreds of thousands of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles rolling across America.

TT File PhotoRising prices at the pump have soured Arkansas truckers on any compromise to raise fuel prices to pay for better roads. Truckers won't go along with the latest version, which imposes a 2-cent-a-gallon diesel tax increase immediately and adds 2 cents more in a year.

The truck driver involved in last week's deadly Amtrak accident will be getting his license back. "There is no basis in state law which allows me to hold the license," Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said Thursday in a statement.

TT File PhotoAmid continued robust sales of trucks in February, another banner year is predicted for truck makers. Manufacturers reported preliminary sales for the month reached 18,384 vehicles.

The state House has sent highway legislation back to the Senate in preparation of a compromise amendment that would phase in a 4-cent diesel tax increase over a couple of years.

Federal legislation requiring the Surface Transportation Board to increase its emphasis on ensuring competition between rail carriers was introduced last week by four senators.

Two state senators, reacting to last week's fatal train-truck accident, say they plan to introduce legislation that could free at least $50 million to improve safety at railroad crossings around Illinois.