USAIR <U> SAYS DOT PUBLIC COUNSEL BACKS MERGER USAir Group Inc said the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Public Counsel has urged that expedited non-hearing procedures be used in its proposed acquisition of Piedmont Aviation Inc <PIE>. The company said that America West Airlines Inc <AWAL.O> was the only party voicing opposition to the acquisition. The Department of Transportation had asked parties to submit statements by June 17 either supporting or opposing the acquisition. USAir said it and Piedmont again requested expedited approval for the acquisition. The company said the Office of Public Counsel could find no evidence that the acquisition would substantially lessen competition in any market.