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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao announced new guidance for automated vehicles during a speech at the Mcity Test Facility in Ann Arbor. 

“It was great to join Secretary Chao in Michigan, the center of the auto industry, for today’s announcement about the future of automated vehicles. Michigan is leading the way in this area with business, academia and federal, state and local governments all working together to test, develop and deploy self-driving vehicles. In my district alone, Mcity and the American Center for Mobility are reshaping what mobility will look like for decades to come. Today’s announcement reaffirms that the 12th District, Michigan and the United States will continue to stay in the driver’s seat. 

“This updated policy guidance also compliments legislation passed unanimously in the House of Representatives, the SELF DRIVE Act, which establishes a framework for the regulation of self-driving vehicles for the first time. Automated vehicles have the potential to transform mobility in this country – improving our economy and saving lives on the road. This is a unique opportunity for members of both parties to come together to improve safety, support the auto industry’s comeback, and help create more cutting-edge jobs in our state. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to making this new technology a reality.”

The SELF DRIVE Act, which Dingell developed and championed, was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on September 6.