The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has welcomed the bipartisan passage of H.J.Res. 61, a resolution that it says “enhances environmental stewardship and reduces financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities”.
In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) assessment determined that the existing standards provided an ample margin of safety to protect public health and prevent an adverse environmental effect. However, on November 29, 2024, the EPA added a revised National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) ruling, adding emission limits for total hydrocarbons (THC) and filterable particulate matter to the existing rule.
This required tire manufacturing facilities to install and operate regenerative thermal oxidizers, which demand a significant input of natural gas to combust pollutants. The USTMA said these new control devices would increase carbon emissions in an attempt to reduce what it described as “negligible” hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
Introduced by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) and co-sponsored by over 20 representatives from 14 states, resolution H.J.Res. 61 overturns the EPA’s revised rule on rubber tire manufacturing NESHAP. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led the effort in the Senate with S.J.Res. 24, supported by nine co-sponsors. USTMA had submitted a letter of support for the resolution prior to the House vote.
USTMA said in a May 6 statement it will continue to work with the EPA, but supports Congressional action to undo this final rule to “limit the deleterious effects on the US tire manufacturing industry, the environment and the economy”.
“Tire manufacturers have long understood and complied with the existing NESHAP standards to reduce HAPs emissions from tire manufacturing,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO, USTMA.
“However, the agency’s revised final NESHAP rule creates an adverse environmental impact, while imposing significant financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities and providing negligible, if any, benefits. The industry appreciates the Congressional leadership and bipartisan efforts in getting this resolution passed.”
In related news, Bridgestone Americas has debuted a demonstration commercial tire featuring 70% recycled and renewable materials. Click here to read the full story
