# California approves phased replacement-tire efficiency standards

_Published Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 3:18 PM EDT · Products, Infrastructure · Latest · Tier 1 — Major_

![California approves phased replacement-tire efficiency standards — Primary](https://grist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/california-tires.jpg)

The California Energy Commission unanimously approved replacement-tire efficiency standards and a consumer "leaf" rating system, according to the report.

The first phase will target the least efficient tires beginning in 2029, followed by a stricter standard in 2033. Snow and competition tires are exempt, while all-weather tires are excluded for now and will be tracked. The commission projects about $1 billion in annual refueling savings and two million tons less annual carbon dioxide emissions; industry opponents dispute the rule's cost estimate.

## Sources

- [grist.org](https://grist.org/transportation/californias-new-tire-efficiency-rules-could-save-drivers-1b-a-year/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/jMkL9n67iz05Q6buUOxPIq
Published: 2026-08-18T19:18:14.311Z
Story chronology: 2026-08-17T23:19:53.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-03T04:46:45.509Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)