Securing America's Future Energy

SAFE Applauds California DMV’s Revision to Autonomous Vehicle Testing Rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bridget Bartol | 202.461.2361 | bbartol@secureenergy.org

Washington, D.C.—Securing America’s Future Energy’s (SAFE) President and CEO Robbie Diamond released the following statement in response to the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) revised proposal for rules governing autonomous vehicles (AVs).

“We recognize California’s efforts to adapt to rapid technological developments in its rules for self-driving cars. California’s current rules are not reflective of the state’s status as a hub of innovation, and put its residents at a disadvantage. SAFE looks forward to reviewing this proposal and providing comments to contribute to a regulatory framework that supports innovation and will help society realize the full scope of benefits that self-driving cars offer.”

Today, 92 percent of the U.S. transportation system is powered by oil. Autonomous vehicles are anticipated to enable a rapid shift towards alternative powered vehicles, diversifying the transportation sector away from oil, a single, highly-volatile global commodity traded on an unfair and unfree market.

SAFE continues to advocate for a unified, clear, modernized framework from Congress to allow for a safe and speedy deployment of AVs on our nation’s public roadways for both cars and commercial vehicles.

About Securing America’s Future Energy

Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America’s dependence on oil. Near-total dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector undermines the nation’s economic and national security, and constrains U.S. foreign policy. To combat these threats, SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of U.S. oil and gas resources, continued improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and transportation sector innovations including electric vehicles, natural gas trucks, and autonomous vehicles. In 2006, SAFE joined with General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, to form the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a group of business and former military leaders committed to reducing the United States’ dependence on oil. Today, the ESLC is co-chaired by Frederick W. Smith and General James T. Conway (Ret), 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
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