California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticizes Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra’s ‘power hour’ electricity proposal to reduce energy costs in ‘The Bottom Line.’ California regulators on Monday approved new rules that will restrict which replacement tires can be sold statewide in an effort to meet energy efficiency standards. The new regulations, adopted unanimously by the California Energy Commission (CEC), will phase out tires that do not meet these standards, a move that could restrict a large portion of the tires currently available to drivers. “Ultimately, this is about protecting consumers,” said David Hochschild, chairman of the California Energy Commission, as reported by KCRA-TV. “I think this protects the public from higher costs in the long run.” TOYOTA RECALLS 655,000 CAMRY WORLDWIDE FOR A DISPLAY DEFECT THAT CAN TURN OFF SAFETY INDICATORS A tire in a manufacturing plant. (Getty Images/Getty Images) Fox News Digital has contacted several tire manufacturers, including Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone. The new rules focus on rolling resistance: the amount of energy a tire needs to roll down a road. Lower rolling resistance allows vehicles to consume less gasoline or electricity. Although factory-installed tires on new vehicles typically have low rolling resistance, drivers often replace them with cheaper, less efficient tires. The new rules aim to ensure that replacement tires maintain energy efficiency levels similar to those of the original factory tires. WAYMO REMEMBERS MASSIVE AUTONOMOUS FLEET AFTER BANDERAS INCIDENT MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE A mechanic places a wheel on a car in Heilgersdorf, Bavaria, on Oct. 4, 2024. California regulators on Monday approved a new set of rules that would limit the types of replacement tires consumers could purchase. (dpa/picture Alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images) The first phase of the program begins in 2029 and focuses on the most inefficient replacement tires on the market. The allowable rolling resistance threshold drops further starting in 2033. According to the CCA, California drivers could save $79 in fuel or electricity costs over four months during Phase 1, and about $153 over seven months during Phase 2. The CCA estimates that the Phase 2 rules will add an average of about $6.50 to the cost of each tire, the New York Post reported. “These regulations are a tool within our authority that can save every Californian money,” the commissioner said. Nancy Skinner Goodyear expressed concern about the mandate, arguing that it would pass additional costs onto consumers. Representatives noted that about 70% of tires currently sold in the state would be eliminated by 2033. Used vehicle tires are stacked outside an auto repair shop in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on July 26, 2026. (Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO Several categories are excluded from the new rules, including snow tires, used and retreaded tires, tires deep tread off-road, motorcycle tires and tires sold for emergencies. vehicles. The regulations arise from Assembly Bill 844, a 2003 California law that requires the commission to set state tire efficiency standards.
