California’s insane plan to regulate what tires we buy is full of hot air

Just when you thought California had run out of things to regulate, Sacramento apparently looked down at your car and said, "What about the tires?" Yes, the tires.

California has become the first state in America to approve energy-efficiency standards for replacement tires.

Beginning in 2029, most replacement tires for passenger cars and light-duty trucks will have to meet new rolling-resistance requirements.

Those requirements get even tougher in 2033.

SENATE MOVES TO UNSHACKLE AMERICA'S DRIVERS FROM CALIFORNIA'S 'CLIMATE ZEALOTS' At some point, Californians have to ask themselves a simple question: How much government is too much government? To be fair, California has some impressive numbers supporting its case.

THINK YOUR STATE IS EXPENSIVE? NEW DATA REVEALS WHERE AMERICANS FACE THE HIGHEST COST-OF-LIVING The California Energy Commission estimates Phase 1 will add only about $6 to the cost of a set of tires while saving drivers approximately $85.

How well did that work out on EVs and the real cost of gas savings relative to the price of the car? Phase 2 is projected to add about $26 per set while producing $179 in gasoline savings over the tires' life.

That’s a whopping $40 a year in savings.

Don’t spend it all in one place if it is actually true.

The state estimates the first phase could pay for itself in just three to four months and the second in roughly seven months.

TRUMP ADMIN AXES 'GREEN NEW SCAM' APPLIANCE RULES AS EUROPE BAKES IN BRUTAL HEAT California also projects the regulations will eventually save drivers nearly $1 billion annually in gasoline and electricity costs while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2 million metric tons per year, which is the equivalent of taking roughly 400,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road.

Those sound like terrific numbers.

DAVID MARCUS: WHY I'LL TAKE MY CLUNKER OVER ANY NEW CAR WITH A GOVERNMENT KILL SWITCH So here's my question to California: If the economics is really that compelling, why does Sacramento have to mandate it? Show consumers the numbers.

Put an efficiency rating on every tire.