President Bush Nominates DOT Lawyer to Head NHTSA

Washington DC January 19, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that President Bush has nominated Nicole Nason, assistant secretary of the Department of Transportation, to be the new chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports The Detroit News.

If confirmed by the Senate, Nason will oversee federal regulations that have the most impact on the auto industry, including oversight on the final stages of new vehicle roof strength rules. Nason will also oversee regulations on vehicle safety standards and fuel economy requirements.

Robert Johnson, director of public affairs for the Transportation Department, which oversees NHTSA, told The Washington Post Nason “has supported auto safety issues, including strengthening safety belt laws and pushing for more grant money for programs combating drunken driving.”

He also said Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta believes Nason did a "great job representing him and his safety agenda on the Hill." Nason, 35, holds a law degree from Case Western University.