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U.S. Tire Manufacturers Urge Congress to Implement Policies for More Sustainable Transportation and Infrastructure

February 4, 2022

As the Biden administration begins implementation of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is urging congressional leadership to continue working on tire policy and related transportation sustainability initiatives. While the IIJA includes several provisions that would advance scrap tire markets and improve the resiliency of the nation’s infrastructure, USTMA has identified six specific policy proposals – ranging from tax incentives to additional research dollars and procurement commitments – that will strengthen the American tire manufacturing industry and help the country develop roadways with the future in mind.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly transform the country’s infrastructure by focusing on our shared priorities,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “The tire industry is ready to lead, with innovative technologies that not only improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles but also enhance the performance and durability of our roadways. By embracing these new technologies, we can create highly resilient infrastructure capable of carrying our nation well into the future, while bolstering the American tire manufacturing industry and propelling the United States as a leader in tire technology research.”

The six policy areas identified in the letter to Congressional leadership by USTMA and its members, representing 12 of the world’s largest tire manufacturers, include:

  • Investments for the research and integration of rubber modified asphalt (RMA) to advance infrastructure projects
  • Research investments for tire derived aggregate (TDA) in stormwater infiltration galleries
  • Research investments for stormwater runoff and roadway runoff mitigation efforts
  • Incentives for the use and manufacturing of retreaded tires
  • Incentives for the use of low rolling resistance tires for public and private use, and
  • Federal fleet management policy that ensures 100% of tires in the federal fleet enter circular and sustainable scrap tire markets

About USTMA

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S. Our 11 member companies operate 56 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 16 states. U.S. tire manufacturing has an annual economic footprint of $170.6 billion and is responsible for more than 291,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, distribution and retailing. The industry supports more than 510,000 additional U.S. jobs in supplier and induced activities, totaling more than 801,000 jobs nationwide. USTMA advances a sustainable tire manufacturing industry through thought leadership and a commitment to science based public policy advocacy. Our member company tires make mobility possible. USTMA members are committed to continuous improvement of the performance of our products, worker and consumer safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.USTires.org and follow us on Twitter/X @USTires.