In an effort to have more oversight and control over the expansion of autonomous vehicle (AV) services, the San Mateo Board of Supervisors has thrown its support behind Senate Bill 915, known as the Autonomous Vehicle Service Deployment and Data Transparency Act. This bill, introduced by Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), aims to give local governments the regulatory power over AV services.
While Waymo LLC, a leading autonomous vehicle company, seeks permission from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to expand its AV passenger services from Sunnyvale to San Francisco, the San Mateo County supervisors are advocating for the authority to have a say in the matter. They believe that the technology for autonomous vehicles is still not advanced enough to guarantee their safety on the roads.
Supervisor David Canepa, one of the authors of the resolution in support of SB 915, has expressed concerns about potential accidents and chaos arising from AVs traveling at high speeds on highways. He has also questioned the current administrative process, which is handled by a state-level commission that is not elected. Canepa believes that the decision-making process should involve local governments to better address the needs and concerns of their communities.
The opposition to Waymo’s expansion proposal is highlighted by County Attorney John Nibbelin, who critiqued Waymo for failing to properly engage with local staff regarding their plans. Nibbelin emphasizes that input from local stakeholders is crucial when making decisions that impact public safety.
Senate Bill 915, if passed, would require AV operators to obtain approval not only from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the CPUC but also from the local governments where they plan to operate. This bill aims to establish a locally governed permitting program, allowing cities and counties to set their own policies and regulations for AV services.
With the endorsement of San Mateo County, Senate Bill 915 gains momentum as it strives to empower local governments in the decision-making process regarding autonomous vehicle services. As AV technology continues to advance, collaboration between state and local authorities becomes increasingly vital for the safe and efficient deployment of these vehicles on public roads.
FAQ:
1. What is Senate Bill 915?
Senate Bill 915, also known as the Autonomous Vehicle Service Deployment and Data Transparency Act, is a bill introduced by Dave Cortese that aims to grant local governments regulatory power over autonomous vehicle services.
2. Why is the San Mateo Board of Supervisors supporting Senate Bill 915?
The San Mateo County supervisors are supporting Senate Bill 915 because they believe that local governments should have a say in the expansion of autonomous vehicle services. They have concerns about the safety of these vehicles on the roads and want to ensure that the needs and concerns of their communities are addressed.
3. What are the concerns raised by Supervisor David Canepa?
Supervisor David Canepa is concerned about potential accidents and chaos that could arise from autonomous vehicles traveling at high speeds on highways. He also questions the current administrative process, which is handled by a non-elected state-level commission, and believes that local governments should be involved in the decision-making process.
4. What is the opposition to Waymo’s expansion proposal?
County Attorney John Nibbelin highlights that Waymo has failed to properly engage with local staff regarding their expansion plans. Input from local stakeholders is seen as crucial when making decisions that impact public safety.
5. What would Senate Bill 915 require of AV operators?
Senate Bill 915 would require autonomous vehicle operators to obtain approval not only from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission but also from the local governments where they plan to operate. It aims to establish a locally governed permitting program, allowing cities and counties to set their own policies and regulations for autonomous vehicle services.
Key terms:
– Autonomous Vehicle (AV): A vehicle capable of operating without human input or control.
– San Mateo Board of Supervisors: The governing body responsible for making decisions and policies for San Mateo County.
– California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): The organization responsible for regulating public utilities in California.
– Stakeholders: Individuals or organizations who have an interest or are affected by a particular issue or decision.
Related links:
– Dave Cortese – Official website for Dave Cortese, who introduced Senate Bill 915.
– Waymo LLC – Official website for Waymo LLC, a leading autonomous vehicle company mentioned in the article.
– California Public Utilities Commission – Official website for the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates public utilities in California.
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