California retreaders have spoken, and the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) is proceeding with its efforts to exempt retreaders from the state's controversial waste tire manifest law.
Earlier this week, TRIB Managing Director Harvey Brodsky announced that the organization will seek legal and legislative aid to achieve the goal following a disappointing meeting with California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) officials on Sept. 15.
Brodsky says TRIB is planning to "restructure" its lobbying efforts in conjunction with the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) legislative arm.
TRIB cannot directly lobby legislators since it's a non-profit organization.
Before taking further steps, Brodsky wanted to gauge the interest of retreaders in California; all of them may be subject to "draconian" fines of up to $25,000 per violation per day for "offenses" as minor as filling out manifest forms incorrectly or even carrying forms that another party filled out incorrectly.
"We have enough retreaders who have responded positively to move forward," he says.
Earlier today, Brodsky told mtdealer.com what was discussed with CIWMB officials during the two-hour-long Sept. 15 meeting.
"It was disgraceful. You tell them 'This is hurting us badly' and is even driving (retreaders) to consider moving their plants out of California, and they just look at you with a blank stare!
"If they had a case, it'd be a different story!"
TRIB believes retreaders should be exempt from the law because they do not own the used tires they are hauling to and from customers' facilities.
Gary Grabel, owner of Red Bluff, Calif.-based Tehama Tire Service, even presented figures to CIWMB officials illustrating that complying with the rule would cost his dealership an estimated $60,000, and they were non-plussed, according to Brodsky.
Further details about how TRIB will work through TIA are unavailable.
