California Assembly passes replacement tire energy efficiency bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 5)—The California Assembly has passed a bill requiring aftermarket tires sold in the state be at least as energy efficient as original equipment tires. The bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Joe Nation, D-San Rafael, claims it will save 300 million gallons of fuel annually. The tire industry, however, insists the bill will require tradeoffs between rolling resistance and treadwear that ultimately will increase the state's scrap tire generation by 10 to 20 percent annually. A spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association said Nation has indicated he is willing to work with the industry to draft a compromise measure for the state Senate, "but that remains to be seen." The bill passed by a 48-29 vote on June 4.