Self-driving cars are absolutely the next frontier for automakers to tackle, but it can’t be done without input from the federal government. While the U.S. House of Representatives continues to work on a package of laws, that could strip states’ rights in the process, a new report claims the federal government’s self-driving car council is absolutely inactive.
The council held its first meeting on January 16, 2017, but that was reportedly the only time members ever met, per a report from Recode. Since then, it’s been entirely quiet. General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Los Angeles, California, mayor Eric Garcetti were appointed to head the council originally. GM has not commented on Barra’s status with the council.
Additionally, a Waymo spokesperson also believes the council is basically defunct under the Trump administration, and a Lyft spokesperson confirmed its company president, John Zimmer, resigned his seat on the council “awhile back.”
Although President Trump hasn’t made any formal announcements surrounding the Self-Driving Car Council, his administration has reiterated that it wants to tackle the subject. President Trump will need to appoint a new head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration before any serious work can be done.
Previously, President Trump disbanded his strategic policy and economic forum in the wake of violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Barra also served on the forum until its end.
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Trump has no business being president.