California approves first US tire efficiency standards

The California Energy Commission has unanimously approved new regulations to establish the nation’s first efficiency standards for replacement tires. The rule aims to ensure that replacement tires sold in the state are, on average, at least as energy efficient as the original equipment installed on new vehicles.

To assist consumers, the state will implement a labeling system using a “leaf” rating to identify high-efficiency options. Experts note that while automakers often use low rolling resistance tires to improve fuel economy, replacement tires are frequently less efficient, leading to increased gasoline consumption for internal combustion engines and higher electricity use for electric vehicles.

The commission projects these changes could save Californians approximately $1 billion annually in refueling costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2 million tons per year. The regulations will be implemented in two phases: the first targeting the least efficient tires in 2029, followed by stricter standards in 2033.