In a bid to tackle climate change, Democrats in Washington are proposing measures that could potentially increase the cost of tires for consumers.
The state's Department of Commerce is seeking the authority from the Democrat-majority Legislature to regulate tire efficiency.
As reported by the Washington State Standard, the regulators are advocating for low-rolling resistance tires, which are typically pricier than budget tires. However, they argue that these tires could lead to savings on fuel costs over their lifespan.
"There are very few other transportation policies in the short-term that can reduce emissions by this magnitude," stated Steven Hershkowitz, Senior Energy Policy Specialist, during a recent webinar hosted by the state Commerce Department to outline its energy policy priorities and requests for the 2024 legislative session.
Traditionally, tire standards have been set at a national level. However, California, a few years ago, empowered its state energy department to regulate tires, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency and cut emissions. Now, Washington, under Democratic Governor Jay Inslee, is seeking similar regulatory authority over tire standards. Hershkowitz added that Washington aims to collaborate with California on these regulations.
The California Energy Commission is working on establishing minimum standards for rolling resistance and a rating system to allow consumers to compare tire efficiency. The proposed standards would apply to replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks, excluding original tires installed by manufacturers on vehicles.
While California asserts that the tire standards could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million metric tons annually within the state, the rubber industry and tire dealers express concerns about the potential impact on their businesses and consumers.
Mike Manges, Editor of the Modern Tire Dealer trade journal, voiced his concerns in an editorial, stating, "I still believe that a mandate could not only limit consumer choice but also limit a dealers ability to sell what he or she wants based on the customers budget and preference." He further added, "Not all customers will be able to afford higher-priced tires that can meet or exceed whatever rolling resistance target the CEC will require."
This announcement follows a bill pre-filed in the Washington Legislature by Democrats, aiming to penalize state residents for using gas-powered landscaping tools such as leaf blowers.
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