California senator demands resignation of energy board over controversial tire rule
A California senator is calling for the resignation of the state energy board following the introduction of tire efficiency regulations. The rules mandate that replacement tires meet the same fuel efficiency standards as new tires, a move that could phase out 70% of current replacement options. While Governor Gavin Newsom supports the measures as a good choice and some estimates suggest they could save drivers $1B annually, the rules have sparked polarization and warnings from tire companies regarding design complexity and consumer impact.
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- ✓ California is the first state to regulate the squish of car tires.
- ✓ The new regulations require replacement tires to be as fuel efficient as new tires.
- ✓ Governor Gavin Newsom supports the rules.
What changed
A California senator has formally urged the energy commission to resign in response to the efficiency rules.
Live updates
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California Senator Demands Energy Board Resignation Over Tire Rules
A California senator is calling for the resignation of the state energy board following the introduction of tire efficiency regulations. The rules mandate that replacement tires meet the same fuel efficiency standards as new tires, a move that could phase out 70% of current replacement options. While Governor Gavin Newsom supports the measures as a good choice and some estimates suggest they could save drivers $1B annually, the rules have sparked polarization and warnings from tire companies regarding design complexity and consumer impact.
Why it matters
California is the first state to regulate the rolling resistance or squish of car tires. These rules target the aftermarket tire sector to reduce fuel consumption and costs. The policy creates a conflict between environmental goals and the availability of affordable replacement tires.
What is confirmed
- California is the first state to regulate the squish of car tires.
- The new regulations require replacement tires to be as fuel efficient as new tires.
- Governor Gavin Newsom supports the rules.
Still unconfirmed
- A tire company warns the proposal overlooks consumers and design complexity.
What to watch next
- The energy board's formal response to the senator's resignation demand
- Legal challenges from tire manufacturers regarding the replacement rules
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- grist.org — California’s new tire efficiency rules could save drivers $1B a year
- The New York Times — California Becomes First State to Regulate the Squish of Car Tires
- The Drive — Don’t Panic: California’s Aftermarket Tire ‘Ban’ Explained
- SFGATE — New tire rule raises concerns: 'California is particularly vulnerable here'
- KCRA — What to know about California’s groundbreaking and polarizing new tire replacement rules
- The Center Square — California senator urges commission to resign after tire rule
- Yahoo Autos — California Just Made It Harder To Buy Cheap Tires, and Drivers Have Questions
- KCRA — 'A good choice': Newsom backs new CA rules that would phase out 70% of current replacement tires
- kmph.com — Tire company warns that California tire proposal overlooks design complexity and consumers
- New York Post — California senator demands resignation of energy board over controversial tire rule
- KCRA — Full interview: Leader of California Energy Commission defends new tire rules
- jen.jiji.com — Trump, doctors warn: "His weight a significant health risk"
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