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Bill

Bill

AB 911

Emergency telecommunications medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juan Carrillo and 3 co-sponsors

California establishes zero-emission vehicle program for emergency telecommunications fleets to meet climate goals while modernizing critical disaster infrastructure.

In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
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Bill Summary · AB 911

Legislative bill overview

AB 911 requires California to establish a program for deploying medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) specifically for emergency telecommunications purposes. The bill directs state agencies to develop standards, timelines, and funding mechanisms to transition emergency communication fleets from traditional fuel sources to electric or hydrogen vehicles.

Why is this important

Emergency telecommunications infrastructure—including mobile command centers, backup power units, and service vehicles—is critical during disasters and public safety incidents. As California advances its climate goals, modernizing these fleets reduces emissions while testing ZEV reliability in demanding operational conditions. However, this also affects emergency response budgets and requires solving technical challenges like charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles in remote areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Heavy-duty ZEV technology remains significantly more expensive than conventional vehicles; unclear who bears the financial burden and whether adequate state funding is allocated
  • Operational reliability: Emergency services require guaranteed performance; concerns exist about ZEV range, charging speed, and cold-weather performance during actual emergencies
  • Infrastructure readiness: Deploying medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs requires charging networks that don't yet exist statewide, particularly in rural areas critical for emergency response

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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