The California Chamber of Commerce has added AB 1000 (Reyes; D-San Bernardino) to the 2023 Job Killer list. AB 1000 proposes a statewide setback of 1,000 feet from “sensitive receptors” for all new or expanded logistics use facilities 100,000 square feet or larger in California.
“AB 1000 is a job killer because it will lead to the elimination of high-paying jobs, quash critically needed housing associated with mixed use developments, increase vehicle miles traveled for heavy duty vehicles coming to and from California ports, and incentivize frivolous litigation with a new private right of action in California law,” said Adam Regele, CalChamber Vice President for Advocacy. “The bill threatens to severely disrupt already-fragile supply chain issues and substantially increase the cost of goods movement. The practical effect of AB 1000 becoming law is increased costs for every Californian.”
According to a letter sent to the author, there are over 1.6 million trade-related jobs in Southern California alone directly associated with California ports, and millions more California jobs in manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade, construction, transportation and warehousing sectors that rely on a healthy goods movement. AB 1000’s de facto ban on logistics use facilities will undermine California’s ability to remain competitive, especially as the state already struggles to find adequate off-docking facilities to move goods from the port.
Also concerning is the threat of new litigation outlined in AB 1000. Said Regele, “AB 1000 creates a new avenue for litigation which would enrich trial attorneys, slow projects and drive-up development costs. At the same time, such a threat will shut down the willingness of investors to expand their businesses and workforce in California.”
A copy of the letter can be found here.
