California has become the first US state to approve energy-efficiency standards for replacement car and light-truck tyres, requiring them to meet new rolling-resistance requirements from 2029, with tougher rules following in 2033. The Fox News opinion piece argues the move exemplifies excessive government intervention, questioning why the state feels the need to mandate efficiency rather than simply informing consumers and letting the market decide.

The California Energy Commission projects the first phase will add about $6 to a set of tyres while saving drivers roughly $85, with the second phase adding about $26 but saving $179, paying for itself within three to seven months; overall, the state expects nearly $1 billion in annual savings and emissions cuts equivalent to removing 400,000 petrol cars from the road. However, tyre maker Goodyear has warned that around 70% of currently sold replacement tyres could fail to meet the 2033 standards, raising concerns about higher costs and reduced consumer choice, though the regulation does exempt certain specialty, off-road and winter-performance tyres.