Full interview: Leader of California Energy Commission defends new tire rules | CA Politics 360
The leader of the California Energy Commission defended new tire rules the commission approved that are facing backlash and criticism for their potential impact on the cost of living in this state.
Starting in 2029, tire makers and sellers will be required to sell more energy efficient tires, with a stricter rule taking effect in 2033. The leader of the commission, Chairman David Hochschild, defended the new rules in an interview on California Politics 360.
“What this standard will do is ensure the same high-quality, high efficiency tires we get on new vehicles,” Hochschild said. “Those protections for consumers are extended to replacement tires as well.”
Goodyear, the largest tire manufacturer in the United States, has said the new rule will eliminate 70% of the tires currently sold in California. The California Energy Commission has acknowledged 30% of the tires on the market today meet the new standards.
Hochschild didn’t dispute the figure, but noted the entire industry isn’t making the claim. He said the standard is supported by internationally headquartered tiremakers Michelin, Bridgestone, and Enso. Hochschild said the new rules are also supported by Discount Tire, the largest tire retailer in California.
Hochschild pointed to the phased in approach, “So plenty of time for tire manufacturers today to sell out their existing inventories and to work to meet the new standard,” he said.
“The question of what will be available when the standard hits, there will be plenty of high efficiency tires available,” he said. “That is part of the innovation cycle.”
When asked why not let consumers decide for themselves if they want high-efficiency tires, Hochschild pointed to higher gas and energy prices.
“Protecting consumers is at the top of our list,” Hochschild said, stating the new rules will save Californians $1 billion a year on gas and electricity.
When asked what the maximum amount of money the California Energy Commission expects drivers to pay for a new set of tires, Hochschild reiterated the commission’s talking points that in 2029 it would be $1.50 and $6 per tire in 2033. Some in the tire industry including Goodyear and some local tire shops in Sacramento have disputed that.
Hochschild claimed Goodyear’s projections that it could cost hundreds of dollars more for a set of four tires is inaccurate.
Tire makers have warned that higher efficiency rules could compromise safety and durability of tires sold in California. Hochschild said after testing hundreds of different tires, he believes the new standard won’t compromise safety and longevity.
The California Energy Commission has never regulated tires before. In the interview, Hochschild repeatedly noted the commission has set energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, TVs and appliances.
When pressed about the fact that tires are not appliances, Hochschild acknowledged they aren’t appliances “in the same sense of having electronics.”
“They are the product that we buy and use. And it’s, in that sense, it’s no different from any of the other products I mentioned. So, and I would say the industry dynamic is not different either,” he said.
The legislation authorizing the commission to set tire efficiency standards was signed into law in 2003 but remained dormant for years. Hochschild explained that the federal government had considered implementing a similar standard, which delayed state action. “I became chair about seven years ago, and this was brought to my attention shortly after that. I felt at the time that this is a really important issue,” he said.
The new standard is expected to have environmental benefits equivalent to removing 400,000 cars from California roads, according to Hochschild. He emphasized that the regulation is not a radical step but rather a continuation of the state’s history of energy efficiency standards.
Hochschild also noted various consumer groups supported the measure.
When asked if he thinks California customers want to be told what they can and cannot buy and what businesses can and cannot sell, Hochschild said, “they will have plenty of choice.”
“What will not be available is low efficiency tires,” he said.
Hochschild concluded, “I think this is part of what it means to look out for the citizens of our state. And I don’t think most Californians have any idea that when you get replacement tires, the range of their vehicles is getting reduced from 10 to 20% and costing $1 billion a year. This is very common sense.”
The California Energy Commission remains confident that the tire industry will adapt to the new standards, as other industries have done with previous efficiency regulations. Hochschild said, “I’m very confident this will be a successful standard as the other ones have done as well.”
KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.