Driving Toward an Autonomous Vehicle Future

Technology and innovation are key driving forces for the Bay Area economy. A new horizon for these forces is the world of autonomous vehicles, aka self-driving cars. To support the growth and success of this quickly developing industry, the Bay Area Council kicked off its Autonomous Vehicles Transportation Subcommittee this week, hosted by Venable LLP. Co-Chairs John McClure (Greentech Capital Advisors) and Laura Gray (Cruise Automation) led a discussion with top industry leaders on the rapid speed of technological advances in the space and ensuring that state and local regulations keep pace. Many other states are vying with California for dominance in the autonomous vehicle marketplace and we need sensible regulations that don’t get in the way of companies working to quickly develop and test safe, effective, reliable, and sustainable vehicle technology. The subcommittee hopes to establish a guiding set of policy recommendations for the state on how to keep these businesses and the industry in California. To engage in the Council’s transportation policy work, please contact Senior Vice President Gwen Litvak.