President Donald Trump has chosen Jonathan Morrison, an executive from tech giant Apple, to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to a recent Senate filing. Morrison's nomination will now be reviewed and voted on by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation before being sent for a full Senate vote.

If confirmed, Morrison will take the reins of an agency that is currently probing Elon Musk's Tesla, with investigations set to proceed despite the change in leadership. Department of Transportation head Sean Duffy has assured that the ongoing probes will not be affected by Morrison's appointment.

Morrison brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the last four years working at Apple. Although the exact nature of his role at the company is unclear, his LinkedIn profile reveals a strong background in the automotive industry. Prior to joining Apple, Morrison served as chief counsel for NHTSA during Trump's first term, and has also held positions as president of Auto Advisory Services and director of legal and regulatory affairs at the California New Car Dealers Association.

Morrison's car-centric career could align with Trump's goals for the transportation sector over the next four years. The President has already issued an executive order to pause the development of federally funded EV charging infrastructure and has delayed updates to automatic emergency braking requirements. Furthermore, Trump intends to roll back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards, create a more streamlined path to develop autonomous vehicles (AVs), and end crash reporting updates from self-driving car companies.

The appointment of Morrison to lead NHTSA could have significant implications for the future of transportation policy in the United States. As the agency responsible for regulating the safety of vehicles on American roads, NHTSA plays a critical role in shaping the development of emerging technologies like AVs and electric vehicles. Morrison's experience in the automotive industry could influence the agency's approach to these issues, potentially leading to a more industry-friendly regulatory environment.

However, the nomination has also raised concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest, given Morrison's recent role at Apple. The tech giant has been increasingly involved in the development of autonomous vehicle technology, and Morrison's appointment could raise questions about the agency's ability to impartially regulate the industry.

As the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation reviews Morrison's nomination, these concerns will likely be at the forefront of the debate. With the future of transportation policy hanging in the balance, the outcome of this nomination process could have far-reaching implications for the industry and the American public.