Latest news with #safetyregulations
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's Next Big Catalyst Faces Delay--Robotaxi Launch Under Scrutiny
June 19 A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Austin area is urging Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) to postpone its planned rollout of robotaxis until a new autonomous vehicle law takes effect in Texas, according to a Wednesday letter shared with media. The lawmakers said the delay would allow the company to better align with forthcoming safety regulations and build public confidence. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently indicated that a soft launch could begin as early as this Sunday. The incoming legislation, currently awaiting the governor's signature, would introduce a permitting framework for self-driving vehicles and give the state authority to revoke those permits if safety concerns arise. It also includes requirements for emergency protocols during autonomous operations. Lawmakers have asked Tesla to provide detailed information on how it intends to meet these conditions if it moves forward ahead of the law's expected September implementation. In January, Musk said the company would offer paid autonomous rides in Austin starting in June. Early reports suggest the pilot program may use a fleet of 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles in select neighborhoods deemed safest by the company. The robotaxi program remains a focal point for Tesla investors and analysts, given the potential revenue implications tied to autonomous driving and robotics. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's Next Big Catalyst Faces Delay--Robotaxi Launch Under Scrutiny
June 19 A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Austin area is urging Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) to postpone its planned rollout of robotaxis until a new autonomous vehicle law takes effect in Texas, according to a Wednesday letter shared with media. The lawmakers said the delay would allow the company to better align with forthcoming safety regulations and build public confidence. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently indicated that a soft launch could begin as early as this Sunday. The incoming legislation, currently awaiting the governor's signature, would introduce a permitting framework for self-driving vehicles and give the state authority to revoke those permits if safety concerns arise. It also includes requirements for emergency protocols during autonomous operations. Lawmakers have asked Tesla to provide detailed information on how it intends to meet these conditions if it moves forward ahead of the law's expected September implementation. In January, Musk said the company would offer paid autonomous rides in Austin starting in June. Early reports suggest the pilot program may use a fleet of 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles in select neighborhoods deemed safest by the company. The robotaxi program remains a focal point for Tesla investors and analysts, given the potential revenue implications tied to autonomous driving and robotics. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Post
a day ago
- Business
- National Post
Ottawa in 'serious breach' in allowing used choppers to patrol border, industry says
OTTAWA — Canada's helicopter industry is charging the federal government with a 'serious breach' in allowing the RCMP to patrol the Canada-U.S. border with antiquated military helicopters that don't meet the government's own safety regulations, National Post has learned. Article content The second-hand helicopters, purchased on the open market by private Canadian operators who were then hired by the RCMP, were granted highly unusual special exemptions by Transport Canada. But documents show that the industry is accusing the federal government of breaking its own rules by allowing used choppers that don't meet Canadian safety standards and aren't supposed to carry passengers or even fly over developed areas. Article content Article content Article content 'It's not even something that should be considered,' said Trevor Mitchell, chief executive of the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC), about the government's decision to provide the special exemptions. 'Why do some have to follow the rules and some don't?' Article content Article content For at least the last three years, the RCMP has been relying on a small number of private contractors to help patrol the border in search of illegal migrants, drug smugglers and other illicit activities. Those contractors, including two based in Ontario, have been using up to four Black Hawk helicopters that were purchased on the second-hand market after the U.S. military decided to update much of its own fleet. Article content According to the government's Canadian Civil Aircraft Register, the second-hand Sikorsky Black Hawk UH 60As are each at least 40 years old and were imported between 2022 and last year. Article content The special exemptions from Transport Canada, the industry says in a series of letters to senior government officials, allowed them to do non-military jobs in Canadian air space. Article content Article content HAC also says that the twin-engine Black Hawks didn't come with 'type certificates,' which act like recipe books for new owners in that they provide details about the aircraft's parts and how it should be maintained. Article content Article content But in a March 20 letter to Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland, Mitchell said even the conditions attached to the exemptions — such as not being allowed to carry passengers or fly over developed areas — have not been followed. 'We urge you to direct your department to ensure the safety restrictions attached to these aircraft are strictly enforced for the balance of the RCMP's contract and that the Force be urged to select a certified aircraft before the contract expires.' Article content The Canadian helicopter industry, which relies heavily on conforming to streams of rules and regulations as its safety pillars, is angry and confused over Transport's decision, Mitchell said. 'It's the hottest topic in the industry.'
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
California Executives Sentenced for Continuing to Sell Dehumidifiers That Caught on Fire
Two executives from Southern California were sentenced this week to more than three years in prison each for failing to report defects in dehumidifiers, which were later linked to hundreds of fires and possibly four deaths, according to federal prosecutors and recall documents. Simon Chu, 70, of Pomona, Calif., and Charley Loh, 67, of Arcadia, Calif., continued selling the dehumidifiers for at least six months after tests revealed a defect that caused them to catch on fire, according to prosecutors with the Justice Department. The devices were sold nationwide through major retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's Club, Sears, Walmart and others, between 2011 and 2014, at prices ranging from $110 to $400, according to federal prosecutors. A federal judge sentenced Mr. Chu to 38 months in federal prison and imposed a $5,000 fine. Mr. Loh received a 40-month sentence and a $12,000 fine. 'Corporate executives who choose to ignore the law will be held accountable — especially when death and serious injuries result,' Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said in a statement. Both men were convicted by a Los Angeles jury in November 2023 of failing to report the defects to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and of conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the safety commission, according to court records. They were found not guilty of a third charge of committing wire fraud. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Verge
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Verge
Posted Jun 17, 2025 at 6:54 PM EDT 4 Comments / 4 New
The Trump administration is apparently trying to shut down the board that investigates chemical explosions in the US. What could go wrong? [Link: Trump quietly shutters the only federal agency that investigates industrial chemical explosions | |
