Valadao, Gallagher Urge Governor Newsom to Prioritize Affordability Over More Regulations

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to immediately direct the California Energy Commission (CEC) to withdraw its proposed Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). The proposed regulation would restrict consumers to purchase only replacement tires that meet CEC's unfounded climate goals. It would also dramatically reduce the choices available to California drivers, eliminating 70 percent of current tire offerings in the state by 2033 and significantly increasing costs. Congressmen Valadao and Gallagher were joined in the letter by Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Darrell Issa (CA-48). “Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and instead of working to give people some relief, the Newsom Administration is making things worse,” said Congressman Valadao. “Last month, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved a harmful regulation that will severely limit consumer choice and raise costs for replacement tires. Governor Newsom is advancing a misguided policy in the name of unproven climate goals that will make driving less efficient, less safe, and more expensive. I’m proud to lead this letter alongside Congressman Gallagher and our California colleagues urging his administration to withdraw this rule as soon as possible.” “Californians are already getting hammered by the cost of living, and now Sacramento wants to tell them what tires they can buy. Give me a break,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Families should be able to choose the tires that work best for their car and their budget without Gavin Newsom and unelected regulators making that decision for them. I’m proud to join Congressman Valadao in telling the Governor to put the brakes on this ridiculous mandate.” This letter comes one month after the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously finalized its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). While this regulation will directly impact California drivers, its consequences could extend far beyond the state’s borders, as increased manufacturing and production costs are likely to drive up prices for consumers nationwide. “These added expenses come at a time when Californians are already struggling with the high cost of living,” the letter states. “From housing and transportation to insurance, gas, and food, prices have increased substantially under your administration. By materially increasing the cost of replacement tires, the proposed standards would impose hundreds of dollars in new upfront expenses—costs that disproportionately affect working families, rural residents, seniors on fixed incomes, and lower-income households that often have longer commutes and fewer transportation alternatives.” The lawmakers urge Governor Newsom to prioritize common sense and affordability over arbitrary climate goals. “California has banned 70 percent of tires that don’t meet performance standards, a mandate that exists nowhere else in the country,” said Rep. Kiley. “By some estimates, Californians will have to pay hundreds of dollars more, and these tires will wear out quicker, which means people will have to buy more expensive tires and buy them more often. Californians simply cannot afford this when the cost of living is already the highest in the country. Governor Newsom and the California Legislature must reverse this absurd proposal.” "Consumers know what is best for them. Government interference will lead to higher costs for already overtaxed and over regulated Californians," said Rep. McClintock. "California is facing an energy crisis, with two refineries closing, nearly 20% of refining capacity disappearing, and families already paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation,” said Rep. Fong. “Yet instead of fixing their failed energy policies, Sacramento Democrats are micromanaging the tires Californians can buy. This regulation would eliminate 70% of current tire options and impose hundreds of dollars in new costs on drivers. At a time when families and businesses are struggling with rising costs, Californians need more affordable choices — not another costly Sacramento mandate." “This proposed regulation is a clear overreach that will hurt Californians by increasing costs and limiting consumer choice,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Drivers should not be forced to pay more for replacement tires based on theoretical fuel savings that may never materialize. The CEC should immediately withdraw this misguided rule.” “California families are already struggling with some of the highest costs in the nation, yet Sacramento continues to regulate nearly every part of their daily lives, from the gas they put in their cars to the tires they put on them,” said Rep. Kim. “Californians want more options and lower prices. They don’t need politicians regulating the shirts off their backs and the tires off their cars. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting this misguided mandate and standing up for consumer choice.” “The Californians who already pay the highest gas prices in the country, the highest housing prices in the country, the highest taxes in the country, and highest energy costs in the country simply cannot afford to also pay the highest tire prices in the country,” said Rep. Calvert. “California’s leaders continue to choose partisan climate politics over economic opportunity and consumer choice,” said Rep. Issa. “California’s latest scheme – the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program – isn’t about “efficiency” at all – but enlarging the state’s regulatory reach at the expense of common-sense energy policies.” Read the full letter here . ###