The California Air Resources Board is facing new resistance to its “cool cars” rules, which require cars to have reflective glazing on their windows to reduce solar energy and keep car interiors cooler. Law enforcement is objecting to the rule on the grounds that it will interfere with ankle monitoring bracelets worn by released felons.
Research has shown that the glazing can degrade signals from devices such as cell phones, especially in rural or mountain areas (of which California has both). Ankle bracelets use a similar signal. Police are also concerned that vehicle occupants will have trouble dialing 911 in an emergency.
Toll collectors fear the glazing will make the EZ pass system more troublesome with a poor signal, causing delays or unwarranted tickets.
The new rules are to be finalized May 7, but the growing chorus of objections has put the Air Resources Board in a tough spot. The rule will supposedly save 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2020 — the equivalent of taking 140,000 cars off the road for a year.
The rules will be amended in the coming weeks, but the board has not indicated how it will address the types of concerns mentioned, a board spokesman said.
