California Approves Another Regulation Increasing the Cost for Drivers
by: Janelle Atienza
Published: August 24, 2026
SACRAMENTO...California’s unelected bureaucrats foist another regulation in the driver’s seat, steering the bill straight onto California taxpayers.
Earlier last week, the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously approved a ban on the sale of roughly 70% of tires sold in the State. According to the Commission, these new mandates will phase out the sale of replacement tires that don’t meet certain energy-efficiency standards and will require drivers to purchase “more efficient” tires, which will supposedly save Californians nominal amounts of money in the long term. Consumers will certainly feel these costs as manufacturers project higher purchase prices than the CEC claims. Spokesperson for Goodyear, Bret Gladfelty, expressed concern about the increased cost of this implementation for residents, especially for families in California that are struggling with affordability.
The CEC targets that Phase 1 of this rollout would begin in 2029 and Phase 2 in 2033.
“The adoption of these rules stems from legislation passed over two decades ago,” said Assemblymember Dixon
“California drivers already pay some of the highest costs in the nation for gas, insurance and everything else it takes to own a car.Why are we forcing residents to buy a more expensive product while costs are rising across the board?”
“Families struggle enough with the rising cost of living in this state. We don’t need another mandate that will drive up the cost of an essential, life-saving purchase. Before regulators celebrate savings, Californians deserve to know what this mandate will really add to the price of tires.”
The Commission estimated that the price of replacement tires would rise by an average $6.50 per tire in Phase 2, but some manufacturers are concerned that the actual cost increase could reach several hundred dollars.
California families need real affordability, not another Sacramento mandate.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, is a pragmatic businesswoman and former Mayor, who represents the 72nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.