California Teamsters Demand Lawmakers Pass AV Local Control Bill SB 915

[Omaha Steve]

https://teamster.org/2024/02/california-teamsters-demand-lawmakers-pass-av-local-control-bill-sb-915/




2024.02.02

Legislation Introduced as Waymo Expands Fleet to Los Angeles, San Francisco Suburbs

Press Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

(LOS ANGELES) – Teamsters and labor allies gathered at Los Angeles City Hall today in support of Senate Bill 915, which would give municipalities a greater ability to protect their communities by requiring autonomous vehicle (AV) companies to secure local approvals prior to starting operations. SB 915 is part of the CARS package that the Teamsters are advocating for in Sacramento. Full video of the event can be found here.

“California has an opportunity to put safety first, and that starts with passing SB 915. It’s past time we give local governments a say in how this dangerous technology impacts their communities,” said Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large and President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. “The Teamsters applaud Sen. Cortese for introducing SB 915 and urge state lawmakers to prioritize safety over Big Tech by passing this bill into law.”

SB 915 has strong bipartisan support. It was introduced on January 9, 2023, by State Senator Dave Cortese (D – San Jose), shortly after the California Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved Waymo’s application to expand its fleet to the suburbs of Los Angeles and San Francisco. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Waymo could also operate 24/7 in any weather conditions and on any roads, including highways. Despite robotaxis running over pedestrians, blocking first responders from their jobs and causing traffic pile-ups, the CPUC and DMV have refused to implement significant AV safety measures.

“SB 915 makes sure that as we step into this new age of cars that drive themselves, we’re not taking any chances with public safety,” Cortese said. “Having served as Vice Mayor of San Jose and Board President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I’ve seen firsthand how local governments are capable and efficient in managing traffic and safety. Local communities will quickly create governance structures that protect the public while allowing for safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.”

FULL story at link at top.

[wolfie001]

1. The clips from china are alarming

AV running into construction zone was one I saw. Disappeared into a construction pit. Gawd knows if anyone was down there working.