Dunlop Voices Alarm Over California's New Tire Rules

California's new tire replacement rules, enacted under AB 884 and enforced by the California Energy Commission, aim to boost tire efficiency and cut emissions but have drawn backlash from Dunlop Tires, which says costs will rise and safety and durability could be affected. Supporters, including former Assemblyman Joe Nation, defend the policy as environmentally beneficial, arguing the rules could remove the equivalent of 400,000 cars in air-pollution terms; critics like Republican Sen. Tony Strickland warn about affordability and burdens on consumers, with concerns also about phasing out budget tires and impacts on tire shops.