A California state senator is calling for the resignation of all five members of the California Energy Commission following the approval of new tire regulations. State Sen. Tony Strickland (R), vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has stated that the rules, which aim to improve energy efficiency, will disproportionately harm consumers by phasing out a significant portion of the market and increasing costs.
The regulations, approved by the commission on Monday, will prohibit replacement tires that do not meet new energy-efficiency standards. Critics argue this could eliminate up to 70% of the current replacement tire market. Strickland contends that unelected bureaucrats are wielding too much power, pointing to the commissioners' salaries and meeting frequency as evidence of their detachment from public concerns.
"You have recourse in terms of an election. You don’t have that with these unaccountable boards and agencies," Strickland said in an interview.
Beginning in 2029, the ban will target tires with higher rolling resistance, which require more energy to maintain speed. The commission maintains that these new tires will ultimately save consumers money through improved fuel economy, whether in gasoline or electricity. However, the Tire Industry Association estimates that average tire prices could rise from approximately $81 to as much as $157, potentially increasing the cost of a set of four tires by over $300.
Strickland expressed concern in a letter to the commission that the mandate will force families already struggling with economic pressures to purchase more expensive tires. He also placed blame on Gov. Gavin Newsom for appointing the commissioners, suggesting they are political insiders.
Governor Newsom has defended the tire regulations, highlighting the potential for annual fuel savings and framing it as part of an affordability agenda. "Back to just facts, save a billion dollars a year in fuel," Newsom said. "You talk about an affordability agenda, that makes some sense to me."
The Energy Commission stated that its role includes setting energy efficiency standards and that the new tire rules are intended to ensure drivers are not using lower-quality, less efficient tires. A spokesperson for the commission noted, "This is about improving replacement tires, not eliminating them, to match the efficiency of tires that already exist when you get a new car. California is phasing in a standard that protects drivers from lower-quality, money-draining tires."
Energy commissioners are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, serving staggered five-year terms.
The backlash has also drawn attention from political figures outside the legislature. Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor, has pledged to defund and effectively eliminate the Energy Commission if elected, specifically targeting the commission's funding.
This controversy highlights a broader debate in California regarding the impact of environmental regulations on consumer costs and the balance of power between unelected agencies and elected officials.