Waymo gears up to push for driverless cars in Minnesota
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Waymo is making moves in Minnesota.
Why it matters: The California-based company would need a change in state law to launch its driverless robotaxis here, since current statute requires that a person is on board and able to take over driving if necessary.
Driving the news: Waymo recently hired four lobbyists from a local firm, state disclosures show, signaling that it's gearing up to push for a green light to test — and eventually launch — its autonomous vehicles in Minnesota.
What they're saying: "We want to serve Minnesotans in the future," Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher told Axios when asked about the hires.
- Teicher didn't respond to Axios' question about Waymo's specific policy goals, but said the company is "engaging with regulators and lawmakers across the globe" to explain its technology in hopes of expanding to more markets.
The intrigue: Several Minnesota policymakers have already had informal interactions with Waymo representatives, and two key lawmakers on transportation policy told Axios they are open to legislation to bring the technology here.
What we're hearing: DFL Rep. Erin Koegel, co-chair of the House transportation committee, said she was "more skeptical and a little bit more apprehensive" about autonomous vehicles in previous sessions.
- But a better understanding of how the tech — and experience from other states — has warmed her to the idea.
"We need to start adopting some of these technologies," the Spring Lake Park Democrat said, noting that it could help connect people to other forms of transit. "We need to make sure that we're allowing some of that innovation and success to take place in our state."
Her co-chair in the tied chamber, Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville), agrees. He thinks lawmakers will "definitely" discuss the issue next year.
- "As wild and far out as it seems for a lot of people … the technology is there," said Koznick, who has asked nonpartisan staff to pull examples of legislation from other states.
- He said the goal should be to "make sure that our roads are safe as can be for driver-controlled vehicles and autonomous vehicles."
Zoom in: Both lawmakers envision use cases for autonomous vehicle technology beyond this specific company.
- Koznick mentioned delivery services popping up in other places, while Koegel cited a recent shuttle pilot in Grand Rapids as an example of how the innovations could bring more transit options to Greater Minnesota.
Zoom out: Waymo already operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta.
Yes, but: Questions remain about how well the self-driving cars will handle ice and snow in colder climates. It's testing the technology in upstate New York and northern Michigan, and plans to expand to Washington, D.C., next year.
Friction point: Any push to allow driverless taxis in Minnesota will likely face resistance from Uber and Lyft drivers, a constituency that has wielded influence at the Capitol in recent sessions.
- Samantha Diaz, the political director at SEIU Local 26, said drivers working with the union's organizing committee are concerned about safety and economic impacts, including job displacement.
- "The law is there for good reason and should not change," she told Axios. "But if there's going to be a push, no company should be approved without a really, really exhaustive and thoughtful process."
Koznick called the concerns legitimate, and said any shift in policy needs to "be responsible and appreciative of the workforce."
- But he believes the tech could also create opportunities in other areas, such as order fulfillment jobs for delivery services that use autonomous vehicles.
What's next: The debate could heat up when lawmakers return to the Capitol in February.