California Energy Commission Implements New Tire Efficiency Regulations to Boost Fuel Economy
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has enacted new regulations targeting the rolling resistance of replacement tires. These rules are designed to enhance the fuel economy of both gasoline and electric vehicles by requiring tires to be more energy-efficient. While many new vehicles already come equipped with low-resistance tires, drivers often opt for less expensive standard options when purchasing replacements. The new state standard mandates that all replacement tires must meet a resistance rating of 9.1 by 2029, with a further reduction to 7.2 by 2033. This initiative aims to reduce fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions. California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner stated that the commission is committed to ensuring these regulations save Californians money, drawing parallels to existing appliance standards that have yielded daily savings. The CEC plans to monitor and enforce these new rules, with a willingness to revise them if they prove impractical.