Overview
- The California Energy Commission voted unanimously Monday to adopt a two‑phase Replacement Tire Efficiency Program that will limit rolling resistance on tires sold as replacements in the state.
- Phase 1 begins in 2029 with a maximum rolling resistance of 9.1 N/kN and Phase 2 tightens the limit to 7.2 N/kN in 2033 to align replacement tires with typical original‑equipment efficiency.
- The commission projects roughly $1 billion a year in combined gasoline and electricity savings, about 2 million metric tons less CO2 annually, and only modest per‑tire price increases of roughly $1.50 in phase 1 and $6.50 in phase 2.
- Major tire makers and trade groups counter that costs will be higher than the state estimates, warn that as much as 70% of current replacement tires could be affected, and raise concerns about availability, safety trade‑offs and difficulty enforcing the rule against imports or out‑of‑state sales.
- The rule includes many exemptions for specialty tires, the commission will verify claims through lab testing and retailer spot checks, and regulators say ongoing industry consultations will continue as California builds compliance systems that could influence national and global tire markets.