Automobiles

The Justice Department (DOJ) and the state of Arkansas are suing Exxon Mobil Corp. for the Pegasus pipeline oil spill that occurred in March.

The nearly 70-year-old pipeline ruptured March 29, spurting 5,000 barrels of oil that contaminated 22 homes in Mayflower, Ark.

Many lawmakers on Capitol Hill drive around in luxury cars, but not Rep. Morgan Griffith.

His car has logged more than 300,000 miles and was seen with this week without any hubcaps.

An ITK spy spotted the Virginia Republican on Tuesday getting out of his 2003 Volkswagen Passat, which was parked outside of the Cannon House Office Building.

As Griffith exited the vehicle, it was evident that not just one or two, but all four of his hubcaps were missing.

When someone noticed the lack of wheel covers on the 55-year-old congressman’s car they asked him incredulously, “All of them?”

Griffith replied, “C’est la vie.”

Federal regulators are warning the District of Columbia's taxicab commission that proposed rules on services like Uber that use smartphone applications to pay and hail taxis could be overly restrictive.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) submitted written comments to the D.C. Taxicab Commission on Wednesday, warning that some of its rules could stifle competition and hurt consumers.

"These software applications are an innovative form of competition that may enable consumers to more easily arrange and pay for commercial passenger motor vehicle transportation services, as compared to traditional methods such as street hails or prearrangement by telephone through traditional service dispatchers," the FTC staff wrote. 

Your morning transportation speed-read: 

In an attempt to complete the consolidation of two major car manufacturers, Fiat said it is considering buying up the remaining shares of Chrysler shortly before holding an initial public offering.

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Republican members of Congress claim an environmental regulation requiring that gasoline be mixed with biofuel kills jobs and hurts families.

The American Petroleum Institute is urging the court to strike down an EPA ruling allowing a high-ethanol fuel blend.

Sustainable Energy Strategies Inc. (SESI) named a new vice president on Monday.

Former White House adviser David Plouffe mocked House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) as a suspected car thief and arsonist after the House Republican labeled White House press secretary Jay Carney a "paid liar" over the weekend.

Strong words from Mr Grand Theft Auto and suspected arsonist/insurance swindler. And loose ethically today.thehill.com/video/house/30…

— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) June 2, 2013

The New Yorker reported in 2011 that Issa was indicted for grand theft auto and suspected of burning down a factory for insurance money during his time before entering politics. Issa was never convicted of either crime.

The Sierra Club argues the effort could help Democrats win House and Senate seats next year.