More Leadership, Kulo-Style

In yet another demonstration of his great vision and leadership, Oregon governor Kulongoski has introduced House Bill 2186 - once again, following California's "example".  The bill allows DEQ to restrict and prohibit sale of after-market auto parts, including tires.  As is the case with almost every stupid regulation these days, the idea is to promote fuel efficiency in the name of reducing "greenhouse gas emissions".  Yes sir, little old Oregon is going to save the planet again.

If you look at studded tires, you immediately notice that they provide better traction and a higher degree of safety under winter driving conditions than do standard tires.  Better traction, however, equates to more friction - and that means less fuel efficiency.  Less fuel efficiency means more "greenhouse gas emissions".  And you know that whole mantra.

There's really no reason for any concern, though:

Andy Ginsburg, with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, said the bill has been the subject of substantial misinformation. Ginsburg said the bill only gives the state Environmental Quality Commission the authority to regulate tires and other aftermarket automotive products. In other words, the commission could choose not to regulate tires and other aftermarket automotive products.

The commission could choose not to regulate tires.  Has there ever been a time when, given the power to regulate something, any state agency has chosen not to regulate?

Comments

[Bobkat49]

I'm not sure you are correct on the studded tire issue. First of all I love studded tires in the winter, they are more convenient than chains and offer great traction in icy conditions. But, I'm not so sure that they offer more friction on dry pavement than regular tires. It would appear that you are actually riding mostly on the metal studs rather than the rubber that is why I don't think you have as great stopping ability with studded tires on dry pavement. I could be wrong.
That being said, I agree that these bunch of idiots shouldn't be regulating much of anything. The only thing they need to regulate is their ability to come up with such nonsense.

[OregonGuy]

What's laughable about the Unagovernor is he has no sense of history.

When, in 1973, Governor McCall advocated passage of SB 100, the intent, express and otherwise, was to protect Oregon from Californication.

What is amusing in listening to Governor McCall's speech to the legislature?

http://tinyurl.com/b8cl95

Of course, you need to be aware of what issues are being debated in Salem to understand the irony of the Governor's speech.

We are all Californians now.
.

[Max]

Well hey, BK - I did say "they provide better traction and a higher degree of safety under winter driving conditions than do standard tires". However, regarding your take on dry pavement - you may be correct in terms of stopping ability. I've never noticed any significant difference, myself, but I do suspect that rolling resistance is increased because fuel efficiency continues to take a big hit. That can be annoying, but I've not taken them off yet because we've still been getting snow and ice around my place.

OG - does this mean Portland likely won't build a "Ted Kulongoski Waterfront Park"? ;-)