California Energy Commission adopts controversial tire efficiency standards

In a unanimous vote, the five unelected members of the California Energy Commission adopted a rule that will, by 2033, prohibit the sale of replacement tires that do not meet new energy-efficiency benchmarks. The policy, rolled out in two phases, targets rolling resistance to reduce gasoline or electricity consumption, with the commission estimating a maximum price increase of $6.50 per tire. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the projected billion-dollar annual fuel savings, though the California Department of Finance’s chief economist has raised doubts about those calculations.

Consumer groups and tire manufacturers warn that the required European-standard tires have a lifespan of about 27,000 miles, roughly half that of conventional all-season tires, meaning owners may need to buy new tires twice as often. Goodyear Tires warned that the added expense could run into the hundreds of dollars for many drivers, while Michelin, the only major tire maker to endorse the rule, stands to benefit. The initiative, championed by commission appointee Nancy Skinner, reflects a broader California trend of setting standards that often spread nationally.