Gavin Newsom's tire mandate rolls over consumers
Considering that California still has yet to lay a single mile of track for its $126 billion high-speed rail system, first approved 18 years ago, we shouldn’t be too surprised that state bureaucrats are just now getting around to issuing new tire regulations first authorized 23 years ago. They are set to be implemented in three years.
TL;DR
- California's Energy Commission is implementing tire efficiency regulations 23 years after they were first authorized in 2003.
- The regulations, part of the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, were due by 2007 and implemented by 2008 but were abandoned by the CEC in 2012.
- Industry estimates suggest tire prices could rise by 20% due to new materials, production, testing, and compliance costs.
- Concerns have been raised about potential trade-offs, including reduced tire tread leading to faster wear and less grip, especially on wet roads.
- Critics argue the mandate will increase the cost of an essential household expense, contradicting stated goals of affordability.