Establishes a replacement tire energy efficiency program for passenger cars and light-duty trucks

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to establishing the replacement tire fuel efficiency consumer information program for passenger cars and light-duty trucks; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To direct the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to create and manage a replacement tire energy efficiency consumer information program.

Summary of provisions

This legislation amends Article 48 of the environmental conservation law. Section 48-0101 sets definitions; section 49-0103 refers to the database, rating system, and test procedures for the energy efficiency of replacement tires as well as establishes the replacement tire energy efficiency program; section 48-0105 establishes the parameters of the replacement tire fuel efficiency ratings standards.

Justification

In an effort to curb fuel consumption, minimize carbon emissions, and reduce costs for drivers in New York State, this bill proposes the creation of a replacement tire energy efficiency program. Energy efficient tires perform better in terms of fuel economy by minimizing rolling resistance, which is the measure of the amount of energy needed to move a tire. The higher the rolling resistance, the more gas a car consumes. By reducing the rolling resistance level (friction on the road), the widespread use of energy efficient tires will allow New York State consumers to save money by using less gas.

Under federal law, automakers are required to equip new cars with low-rolling resistance tires. There are no such fuel efficiency standards for replacement tires in New York State. Michelin, in comments to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, estimated that the rolling resistance of replacement tires is, on average, 22% higher than that of original equipment tires. Although some fuel efficient tires are already available on the replacement tire market in New York, consumers have no way to discern which tires are energy efficient and which are not.

This bill addresses this problem by directing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to create a tire efficiency program analogous to the ENERGY STAR program for household appliances. The department will create a database of the energy efficiency of a representative sample of replacement tires sold in the state. It will also create a rating system which will enable consumers to make more informed decisions when purchasing tires through point of sale information or signs. The standards adopted by the department will not adversely affect tire safety, the average life of the replacement tire, or the effective management of scrap tires in New York State.

The energy efficiency standards created by the NYSDEC will give New Yorkers more information to make choices about replacement tire purchases, which will save consumers money over the life of the tire, decrease demand for imported oil, and reduce emissions of greenhouse and smog forming gases.

Legislative history

2007-2008: S.8131-B

Fiscal implications

To be determined. EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect immediately, provided, however, that this act shall expire and be deemed repealed on the date the commissioner of environmental conservation notified the legislative bill drafting commission of the occurrence of the implementation of a substantially similar federal program