USTMA Applauds Passage of H.J.Res. 61 to Strengthen Environmental Stewardship and Reduce Unnecessary Financial Burden on Tire Manufacturing Facilities

Washington-May 6, 2025 - The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) applauds the bipartisan passage of H.J.Res. 61, a resolution that enhances environmental stewardship and reduces financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities. Introduced by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), and co-sponsored by over 20 Representatives from 14 states, it overturns the EPA’s revised rule on Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), published on November 29, 2024. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led the effort in the Senate with S.J.Res. 24, supported by 9 co-sponsors. USTMA submitted a letter of support for the resolution prior to the House vote.  

“Tire manufacturers have long understood and complied with the existing NESHAP standards to reduce hazardous air pollutant (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 2020, the EPA's own assessment determined the existing standard provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health and prevent an adverse environmental effect. However, on November 29, 2024, despite the EPA’s own assessment, the agency issued a revised final NESHAP rule adding emission limits for total hydrocarbons (THC) and filterable particulate matter to the existing NESHAP rule. As a result, tire manufacturing facilities are required to install and operate numerous control devices known as regenerative thermal oxidizers, which demand a significant input of natural gas to combust pollutants. These new control devices increase carbon emissions in an attempt to reduce negligible HAPs while imposing significant financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities for no defined goal in emissions reductions.   

USTMA member companies are aligned with the EPA’s mission to ensure the preservation of America’s clean air. While the USTMA continues to work with the EPA, we support Congressional action to undo this final rule to limit the deleterious effects on the U.S. tire manufacturing industry, the environment and the U.S. economy.