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?
