Fresno Co. leaders urge Gov. Newsom to veto warehouse regulation bill

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A California bill is waiting for Governor Gavin Newsom’s stamp of approval.

If passed, it would add restrictions to new warehouse developments, where big rig trucks make routine deliveries.

Some Central Valley leaders oppose the bill, AB 98, saying it would jeopardize the future growth of our area.

“This legislation imposes a one-size-fits-all approach to a state as diverse as California,” said Annalisa Perea, Fresno’s City Council President.

Perea said AB 98 will hit businesses where it hurts the most.

“Not to mention the $50,000 fines for these cities who do not comply with AB 98,” she said.

But bill co-author Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes said the purpose of this bill is to stop transportation companies from polluting our air.

“Just imagine a school having bay where the trucks are coming in and out, being right next to the school where the children are breathing at,” Reyes said.

This legislation would set tough new restrictions around sensitive locations like homes, schools, and parks.

“This legislation would probably only impact just a few areas, specifically wherever a warehouse is going to be built within 900 feet of a sensitive receptor,” Reyes added.

Reyes wants to make clear that this bill will not affect current warehouses.

But Will Oliver, President and CEO of Fresno County’s Economic Development Corporation said if this bill becomes law, it could deter future investment.

“At the moment we have over a dozen prospective leads,” Oliver explained.

Oliver believes those companies will choose to develop in other states to bypass any hassle this legislation could bring.

“I think for many, if too complex, if it’s too difficult to do business in the market and they’re just going to overlook it and go on to the next,” Oliver added.

Governor Newsom has until the end of this month to make a decision.

In a press conference Tuesday, he said he has not had a chance to review it just yet.

But if enacted, it will take effect on January 1, 2026, and remain in force for six years.

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