Cap'n TransitSep 28, 2023

Edit to note that this is apparently 78% of microplastics *from specific sources, including textiles and personal care products*, which is only 11% of total microplastics.

So about 8% of total microplastics is directly from car tires.

RT @jme_pew Turns out “microplastics” isn’t descriptive enough. We should be panicking about *tire dust.*

“Seventy-eight percent of ocean microplastics are synthetic tire rubber, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trust.”

https://e360.yale.edu/features/tire-pollution-toxic-chemicals

Road Hazard: Evidence Mounts on Toxic Pollution from Tires

Researchers are only beginning to uncover the toxic cocktail of chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals hidden in car and truck tires. But experts say these tire emissions are a significant source of air and water pollution and may be affecting humans as well as wildlife.

Yale E360
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@capntransit @jme_pew somehow it's not feasible to tax tires, because reasons (i.e. car addiction)
Sep 28, 2023 at 2:52amWeb
Show threadJQSep 28, 2023
@enobacon
There is a lot that is appealing to taxing tires. I'll wager a guess that one argument against is the inability to capture interstate travel. I haven't been able to quickly find a source for % VMT that is from interstate vehicle, but my guess is it's de minimus.
@capntransit @jme_pew
Show thread😀🚲Sep 28, 2023
@jqiriazi @capntransit @jme_pew we just need rotating code transponders at every state border, and you can report when you went through with your signed odometer code... or make it federal and call it done.
Show threadJQSep 28, 2023

@enobacon
Issuing transponders would be a nightmare. I think ignore interstate travel and advocate for federal system.

It would also create black market for tires. But I also assume the % of tires that are smuggled across is also minimal.
@capntransit @jme_pew