Severe Limitations on Warehouse Development and Local Control
SUMMARY: Assembly Bill 98 (Carrillo; D-Palmdale and Reyes; D-San Bernardino) imposes statewide mandates on warehouse locations and operations, overriding local control. It requires buffer zones, truck route restrictions, and zero-emission vehicle standards, severely limiting land for logistics use and potentially driving businesses out of California. This could lead to significant job losses, hinder economic growth, and worsen environmental outcomes due to increased transportation needs. The bill’s rigid requirements and lack of flexibility, such as no sunset clause and burdensome affordable housing provisions, could stifle industrial development and harm local economies.
BILL STATUS: AB 98 is set to be introduced through a last-minute gut and amend just days prior to the end of the legislative session on August 31st. Should the bill pass the Assembly and Senate by August 31st, Governor Newsom will have until September 30th to sign or veto the bill.
ACTION NEEDED: We request all members of the commercial real estate industry contact their California State Assemblymembers and Senators as soon as possible and urge them to vote NO on AB 98. Your voice is crucial in ensuring that this bill does not pass and that our industry, local economies, and jobs are protected.
Please feel free to use the following coalition opposition letter as a reference when communicating with legislators:
Sample message has also been provided below for your reference and use.
Sample Message: On behalf of the commercial real estate industry, I am writing to express our strong opposition to AB 98 (Carrillo and Reyes) which sets severe limitations on warehouse development. This last-minute gut and amend imposes statewide mandates on warehouse locations and operations, overriding local control. It requires buffer zones, truck route restrictions, and zero-emission vehicle standards, severely limiting land for logistics use and potentially driving businesses out of California. This could lead to significant job losses, hinder economic growth, and worsen environmental outcomes due to increased transportation needs. The bill’s rigid requirements and lack of flexibility, such as no sunset clause and burdensome affordable housing provisions, could stifle industrial development and harm local economies. We urge you to oppose AB 98.
Thank you in advance for your swift action on this urgent matter.