NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : House OKs Garbage Ban for Food Trucks

The House overwhelmingly passed legislation to ban the hauling of garbage, chemicals and hazardous wastes in the same trucks and railroad cars used to carry food, beverages and grains. The bill, which is opposed by the Bush Administration largely because it would require the Transportation Department to assume enforcement responsibility, also states that asbestos, infectious waste and other health-threatening items must be shipped only in vehicles designated for that purpose. The prime target of the bill, which now goes to the Senate, is “backhauling,” using trucks that carry food cross-country to carry garbage on the trip home.