Polis Veto Protects Colorado’s AV Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) todayapplauded Colorado Governor Jared Polis for vetoing HB25-1122, legislation thatwould have made Colorado the first state in the nation to effectively ban fullyautonomous trucks by permanently requiring a safety driver to sit in the cabinat all times.

Following the veto, Jeff Farrah, AVIA CEO released the followingstatement: “With this veto, Governor Polis hasreaffirmed his commitment to smart, evidence-based policymaking that attractsthe kind of innovation that will propel Colorado into the future. Blockingautonomous trucks would have put Colorado at a disadvantage just as otherWestern states are welcoming investment and job growth in this fast-movingsector.

“Colorado doesn’t have to choosebetween safety, jobs, and innovation—autonomous trucking delivers on all three.This is about using technology to tackle real-world problems, from reducinghighway fatalities to helping small businesses keep goods moving. This decisionsends a clear signal to entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors: Colorado isready to lead in autonomous transportation.

“AVIA looks forward to working withColorado officials to advance policies that promote the safe deployment ofautonomous vehicles and thanks Governor Polis for recognizing that thistechnology is a meaningful part of a safer, more innovative future.”

As the U.S. freight industry braces for a 50% increase in cargovolume by 2050 and faces a persistent shortage of truck drivers, AV trucksoffer a safe, scalable solution to keep goods moving. 

A U.S. Department of Transportation-funded study found thatautomating long-haul trucking would generate $110 billion in economic activityand create over 35,000 new jobs annually, jobs that range from servicetechnicians and remote operators to software engineers and logisticscoordinators.

Moreover, autonomous trucks bring a strong safety record. Whilehuman driver error is the primary cause in an estimated 87% of fatal truckcrashes, AVs do not drive drowsy, distracted, or impaired. Their deploymentoffers a powerful tool to reduce highway fatalities and injuries, especially oncomplex routes like those through the Rocky Mountains.

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