Council’s Advocacy Helps Secure Veto of Harmful Driverless Vehicle Legislation

California’s ability to compete in the fast-growing autonomous vehicle space got a big boost last week when Gov. Newsom vetoed misguided legislation (AB 316) that would have required driverless trucks to have a human operator on board. The Bay Area Council joined with other groups in mounting an aggressive campaign urging the Governor’s veto. AB 316 would have put California behind in the race to develop driverless technology, sending jobs and investment to other states that have embraced the technology and representing a major setback for our goods movement industry.

In a statement thanking Gov. Newsom for his veto, Bay Area Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman said: “California is all about the future and autonomous vehicle technology represents an exciting and important future for transportation and mobility. We applaud Gov. Newsom for vetoing AB 316, keeping California competitive and ensuring California remains in the fast lane when it comes to autonomous vehicle technology and the many jobs and significant investment it promises. Autonomous trucks have proven they are safe and the technology is only getting better. With Gov. Newsom’s veto, California won’t be left at the side of road and can play a leading role in advancing autonomous vehicle technology that is making our highways safer and creating exciting new avenues for our workforce of the future.”