The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) is fighting proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that "could hurt tiremakers' ability to develop innovative products and harm the competitiveness of the U.S. tire market," according to RMA officials.
The "overly stringent" regulations seek to reduce emissions from solvents, cements and other materials used to build tires.
"In its current form, the proposed rule is ambiguous, confusing and likely to impose serious costs on tiremakers," says Tracey Norberg, RMA director of environmental affairs.
The RMA is asking the EPA for clarification on what emission sources the rule covers. And it wants to exclude research and development from regulation, "which would be consistent with other EPA programs."
RMA officials will meet with EPA representatives to discuss the issue.
