The Commerce Department is seeking authority to regulate the performance of tires sold in Washington state as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Washington State Standard reported Dec. 20.
The ministry wants to promote low rolling resistance tires, which are typically more expensive than regular tires, meaning it will hit the pockets of motorists in the state. However, the department says it can save drivers money on gas over the life of the tires.
The publication reports that Stephen Hershkowitz, senior energy policy specialist at the Washington State Department of Commerce, said that “In the short term, there are very few transportation policies that can reduce emissions by this amount”.
The newspaper does not specify whether the ministry intends to impose more expensive tires on electric vehicle owners. The new rules will apply to replacement tires for cars and light trucks, but not to original tires installed by manufacturers on vehicles.
Washington state is following the lead of California, where several years ago the state Department of Energy was given authority to regulate tires as part of a campaign to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recall that Democrats previously introduced a bill in the Washington State Legislature, HB 1868, that would ban the use of garden tools powered by internal combustion engines, such as lawn mowers or leaf blowers, even in your own yard . The bill proposes to punish violators with heavy fines and imprisonment of up to 1 year.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.