Overview
- The California Energy Commission unanimously voted to adopt the rules on Monday, fulfilling a 2003 state mandate to set tire efficiency standards.
- The regulation sets phased rolling‑resistance ceilings of 9.1 N/kN in 2029 and 7.2 N/kN in 2033 to require replacement tires to be as efficient as original equipment.
- The commission estimates about $1 billion a year in statewide fuel savings and a reduction of roughly 2 million tons of CO2 annually from the rule.
- Major tiremakers and trade groups say the rule could raise upfront costs, questioned the CEC's cost estimates, and warned of enforcement and legal challenges, especially for imported tires.
- The rule creates multiple exemptions for specialty uses, requires lab testing, retailer checks and a leaf-style label and online database, and could influence tire offerings beyond California.