Musk Urges Lawmakers to Fast-Track Self-Driving Car Regulations

Key Highlights

• Elon Musk lobbies U.S. lawmakers to expedite autonomous vehicle regulations, aligning with Tesla's upcoming Robotaxi launch in Austin.
• Tesla's Cybercab, a steering wheel-free autonomous vehicle, awaits federal approval amid Musk's push for streamlined AV legislation. 

Elon Musk is urging lawmakers to help pave the way for self-driving vehicles as part of a larger effort behind the scenes to lobby for a key Tesla Inc priority.

In recent weeks, Musk and his staff have been calling members of Congress directly to rally support, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. He has also provided feedback on revisions to a bill introduced on May 15 that would establish a basic framework for autonomous vehicles.

One of these people stated that options being discussed include expediting the bill or presenting a more detailed measure similar to it before Congress's July 4 recess. 

A spokesperson for Wyoming Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, who sponsored the bill in question, stated that her office does not disclose who she meets with. "This bill moves forward on decade-old DOT recommendations and is designed to identify all essential needs for commercial scale AV deployment," said Joe Jackson, senior communications adviser. "Major policy decisions on AVs are long overdue."

In an Oval Office press conference on Friday, Musk stated that he will continue to advise President Donald Trump even after leaving the Department of Government Efficiency, which he has led.

"The administration's policy is driven solely by achieving the president's agenda and his commitment to the American people," White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields told Bloomberg.

Musk, who has stated that he is refocusing on running his business empire, would benefit greatly from paving the way for self-driving cars. He is increasingly betting on Tesla's future in autonomy and robotics.

Also Read:Elon Musk Exits Trump Administration After Clashing Over Budget

According to Bloomberg, Tesla plans to launch its long-awaited ridesharing service in Austin on June 12 with a small fleet of existing Model Y SUVs. Tesla also intends to expand its rideshare service to include purpose-built Cybercabs, which are expected to be in volume production next year.

Tesla's Cybercab usage is currently limited by federal rules, which only allow special exemptions for a test batch of 2,500 vehicles that lack a steering wheel and control pedals. For years, Tesla and other operators have pushed for a federal standard that would allow such driverless vehicles on American highways.

The Trump administration has indicated that it is open to federal rules for AVs, and Musk has used Tesla's earnings calls to advocate for a federal framework for self-driving cars.

A White House official stated that Tesla must make business decisions that are in its best interest. The person, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss private matters, stated that the president will continue to focus on restoring American energy dominance and will pursue policies to support that infrastructure.

"It'd be wonderful for the United States to have a national set of rules for autonomous driving as opposed to 50 independent sets of rules on a state-by-state basis," Musk told Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a May visit to Tesla.