Land Use and Transportation Committee - 2026-03-02
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Land Use and Transportation Committee held a hearing on the December 2025 power outage's impact on Waymo autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The committee approved a permanent easement grant to PG&E at 1800 Gerald Avenue for SFPUC's Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant. During the power outage, Waymo experienced 1,593 vehicle stoppages in affected areas, with 64 requiring manual retrieval, and 911 dispatchers waited up to 53 minutes on hold trying to reach Waymo's emergency line.
Key Decisions (1)
PG&E Easement at 1800 Gerald Avenue
Resolution approving a permanent easement of approximately 2,944 square feet on SFPUC property at 1800 Gerald Avenue to PG&E for a natural gas meter station serving the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant's new biosolids digester facilities. The easement is granted at no cost as it serves a public purpose. Vote was unanimous 3-0 (Melgar, Chen, Mahmood).
Development Activity (1)
Biosolids Digester Facilities Project
Replaces and relocates existing solids treatment facilities at the Southeast plant with more reliable, efficient, and modern technologies. Requires increased natural gas supply necessitating new PG&E meter station connection.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
SFPUC is investing in modernizing wastewater treatment infrastructure at the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant, indicating continued public investment in utility infrastructure in the southeastern part of San Francisco.
Sentiment
Significant public concern exists about autonomous vehicle operations during emergencies, with labor unions and drivers expressing opposition to AV expansion and concerns about job displacement for the estimated 800,000 rideshare drivers in California.
Infrastructure
SFO Airport has implemented robust AV protocols including on-site Waymo rescue teams required to respond within 10 minutes, backup power generators for traffic signals, and on-site tow trucks, suggesting airports may require higher operational standards for AV services.