Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has pledged to eliminate the California Energy Commission, the agency behind new regulations mandating energy-efficient tires. Hilton announced his intention during a press conference in Sacramento, characterizing the agency and its rules as an "outrageous waste of money bureaucracy" that drives up the cost of living for Californians.
"When I am in office, we are going to have affordable, reliable energy in California that is as green as we can possibly make it," Hilton stated. "Instead of what they’re doing now, which is fake green energy that’s gouging every California family and business."
The regulations, approved by the commission, will phase out replacement tires that do not meet new energy-efficiency standards, targeting "rolling resistance" – the energy required to keep a tire moving. The commission and its supporters argue that these tires will improve gas or electricity mileage, leading to consumer savings.
However, Hilton and other critics contend the rules will significantly increase tire costs. The Tire Industry Association estimates that the market will need to replace approximately 70% of current replacement tires by 2029, when the rules take effect. This transition could lead to average tire prices increasing from $81 to as much as $157, potentially adding over $300 per vehicle for a set of four tires.
Hilton specifically targeted Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner, who was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and is described as a driving force behind the tire rules. "We are going to fire the tyrant Nancy Skinner!" Hilton declared. "Nancy Skinner is a political hack. She has no business in that seat."
Skinner, a former Democratic state senator, has defended the regulations as a tool for affordability. "If we can bring each Californian’s gas cost down just a little bit, then why wouldn’t we?" she told KCRA.
If elected, Hilton stated his first action would be to "shut down" the Energy Commission, citing California's numerous energy and electricity regulatory bodies. He proposed to achieve this by line-item vetoing the agency's funding in the state budget, though he acknowledged this could face opposition from the Democrat-controlled legislature.
Governor Newsom, meanwhile, has championed the regulations, citing California Energy Commission estimates that the rules will save drivers nearly $1 billion annually in fuel and electricity costs while also reducing emissions. "The ROI is pretty good," Newsom said.
The California Energy Commission declined to comment on the governor's race.