In this issue of BVA Happenings, BVA Deputy Director of Government Relations Alek Libbin explains how BVA members can make their voices heard on the issue of autonomous self-driving vehicles.
If you only watched national news, you’d think the federal government does 95 percent of everything and that the states just kind of exist on the side. However, state governments set welfare and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements, unemployment payout amounts and time periods, workers’ rights, and many other policies.
In 2020, state governments spent $3.7 trillion. It is important to remember that much of federal spending becomes state spending through federal grants that account for approximately a third of state government funding. In other words, states impact our lives in more ways than we realize.
An interesting example is the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). By its name alone, one would assume that it manages the utility companies and regulates their actions. It indeed does that, but much more. The CPUC regulates greenhouse gas emission standards, enforces California’s two-party consent for recordings, and regulates services like Uber and Lyft.
That last regulatory function of transportation services is important because BVA is supporting Waymo’s efforts to operate in San Francisco. Waymo operates a fully automatous ride-hailing service that enables people with disabilities to move more freely and less expensively than they would using other ride-hailing services. These vehicles are fully capable of self-driving without a driver present. These cars have logged more than a million miles without a single accident-related death, or injury, or at-fault accident.
At present, the CPUC is considering issuing Waymo a permit to operate in San Francisco. You can impact their decision. During the rules and regulation making process, the public can give a comment. You have the right to offer your opinion and the state must acknowledge it. Waymo gives the disabled the ability to live more freely and make life easier and safer. The CPUC will vote on August 10 to grant or deny the permit.
BVA has prepared a letter for you to send to the CPUC via the link below. Support inclusive transportation. Defend your right to travel freely today. Make your voice heard by clicking here.
