California Governor Gavin Newsom late on Friday vetoed a bill to prevent heavy-duty driverless trucks from operating in the state, a relief for companies developing autonomous technology to transport goods across the US.
Labor-backed Assembly Bill 316, which would require trained human drivers to be present in autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds, was passed by large majorities in both state legislatures.
“Given the existing…regulatory framework that currently and adequately controls this technology, this bill is not necessary at this time,” Newsom said in a veto message on Friday.
A veto by the governor can still be overridden if the legislature chooses to vote in favor of the bill by a two-thirds majority in each house.
This, however, is rare and hasn’t happened in California since 1979.
While many states, including Texas and Arkansas, have allowed the testing and operation of self-driving trucks, California — home to Alphabet, Apple and some of the most cutting-edge tech startups — bans autonomous trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds.
But the motor vehicle department has been working towards developing a regulatory framework to lift the ban, prompting the proposed bill, industry sources told Reuters.
While many states, including Texas and Arkansas, have allowed the testing and operation of self-driving trucks, California – home to Alphabet, Apple and some of the most cutting-edge tech startups – bans autonomous trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds.Reuters
Developing autonomous technology has proven to be more difficult and more expensive than expected, leading to job layoffs and even companies closing up shop.
Some that are still testing and deploying driverless truck operations include Aurora, Daimler Truck, Kodiak Robotics and Gatik.
Supporters of the technology say the bill would hinder opportunities to achieve autonomous freight transportation, for example, from busy seaports in Southern California to locations across the state, and cause future investment in autonomous infrastructure to flow to other states.
But unions led by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have called on Governor Newsom to sign the bill, saying autonomous trucks — some of which weigh more than 80,000 pounds — are unsafe and will cause job losses.
Labor unions led by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have called on Governor Newsom to sign the bill, saying autonomous trucks – some of which weigh more than 80,000 pounds – are unsafe and will cause job losses.AP
Governor Newsom in his veto message said any rules drafted by the department of motor vehicles would be transparent, with input from stakeholders and experts to ensure safety.
He directed the labor and workforce development agency to develop proposals to mitigate any potential impact on employment from the use of such vehicles.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
