New Orleans City Council President Jean-Paul Morrell proposed new regulations for robotaxis last month.
The announcement follows Waymo’s preparations for its autonomous vehicle release in New Orleans, which is slated for 2027.
Waymo responded to the proposal by rejecting city authority over regulating its internal operations, arguing that the proposal is a state matter.
In cities where Waymo is already operational, the Office of Motor Vehicles regulates the cars, not the City Council.
Other concerns have been raised about how autonomous vehicles will react to specific conditions in New Orleans, like potholes and changing intersections.