California adopts phased tire efficiency standards, manufacturers warn of higher costs
State regulators approved rules to phase out low-efficiency replacement tires, citing long-term fuel savings, while manufacturers say the measures could raise purchase prices for consumers.
California's energy regulators approved a two-phase rule that will gradually eliminate replacement tires that do not meet new energy-efficiency standards. The first set of requirements is scheduled to begin in 2029, with stricter criteria to follow in 2033. Officials said the standards are intended to reduce fuel consumption and lower drivers' overall expenses.
Tire manufacturers contend the regulations could add several hundred dollars to the upfront price of new tires. > "Families in California that are struggling with affordability, it's going to increase their costs by hundreds of dollars in phase 2, and we've highlighted that, even using the CEC's own data, you can see that; we're rather disappointed that they moved forward with phase 2," said Bret Gladfelty, representing the industry.
Supporters of the policy argue that the long-term fuel savings will offset the initial price increase. > "We're committed to getting this right, we're only doing it because we know it will save Californians money. We're going to monitor, we're going to do our enforcement well. We have decades of experience with this," said State Senator Nancy Skinner.
The approved timeline sets the initial phase for 2029 and a second, more stringent phase for 2033.