Retread Instead brings message to D.C. lawmakers

WASHINGTON — A delegation of eight retread industry supporters met June 20 with the staffs of eight U.S. senators and representatives of the Transportation Department to bring the industry's "Retread Instead" message to at least a few of the nation's law makers.

The Retread Instead supporters took advantage of the Tire Industry Association's Federal Lobby Day to participate in 30-minute meetings TIA had scheduled with the staffs of Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Marco Rubio, R-Texas; and Mark Warner, R-Va.

The initiative seeks to inform and educate on the environmental and economic benefits of supporting retreading instead of buying, selling and running low-quality Chinese non-retreadable tires, according to Ron Elliott, marketing and communications manager for Marangoni Tread North America Inc. and spokesperson for Retread Instead.

The day began at the American Trucking Associations office with a federal agency briefing that included several representatives from the Department of Transportation, Marangoni said.

At each visit, the delegation sought to deliver its message on the importance of retreading and to lobby for Congress to ensure that the U.S. International Trade Commission — which has oversight on import duties and tariffs — has a full complement of commissioners.

"We were met at each meeting with enthusiasm and a thirst for additional knowledge of what retreading is and how it benefits our economy as well as the environment," Mr. Elliott said.

"Our goal was to garner support and momentum for our cause…. At each office we gained additional contacts and information that will help us concentrate our efforts towards the Senate Finance committee, where at this time the nominees are waiting to be approved prior to moving on to the Senate for a full vote."

"It was also imperative to point out in every meeting that retreading is recycling and 100 percent of the waste stream generated by retreading a tire is recycled into value-added products," Gene Walker of Premier Rubber Co. said.

Preparing a tire for retreading provides 10 to 13 pounds of raw material for children's playground safety surfaces, Mr. Walker said, but the influx of inexpensive Chinese truck tires, many of which are proving to be non-retreadable, is beginning to limit the supply of rubber buffings.

"This translates into a higher cost and lower quality alternative being used," he added.

The day wrapped up with a reception in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Room at the U.S. House's Rayburn House office building.