Trump says he approved fuel economy standards ending Biden EV mandate

The U.S. Transportation Department is set to finalize a significant reduction in vehicle fuel economy standards through 2031, marking a shift away from President Biden's push for increased electric vehicle production. The new standards, to be announced on Monday, will see fleetwide average fuel efficiency drop from 50.4 miles per gallon under Biden's administration to 34.5 miles per gallon by 2031.

According to officials, the revised standards will ultimately lower the cost of new vehicles by an estimated $930 per vehicle, benefiting American auto workers. However, the decision comes amid a period of soaring fuel prices, sparked by the recent U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Critics argue that the move will exacerbate this issue, increasing fuel consumption by around 100 billion gallons through 2050, leading to $185 billion in additional fuel spending and a 5% rise in carbon dioxide emissions.

Pete Buttigieg, who previously headed the Transportation Department under Biden, criticized the decision, stating that it will accelerate the outsourcing of clean technology to China and force American consumers to pay more at the pump. Biden's administration had aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel usage, accelerating the transition to clean energy and establishing the U.S. as a global leader in clean-energy technology and manufacturing.