SEMA defeated legislation that would have required the development of a statewide program to mandate that replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks be as energy efficient as tires sold as original equipment. While the bill contained a SEMA-drafted exemption for some hobbyist tires, including limited-production and off-road tires, SEMA recommended that the bill be rejected since the replacement tire-efficiency program conflicts with federal law by regulating fuel economy, imposes substantial redesign costs on tire manufacturers, competes with federal consumer information requirements and essentially sets a 50-state standard.
SEMA is also concerned that the bill will dissuade consumers from buying tires that may have improved performance, handling or appearance features, based solely on a rolling resistance rating.
For further details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.