Trump administration rolls back fuel economy standards for automakers

The Trump administration has decided to roll back fuel economy standards for cars, marking a departure from the steady improvements in fuel efficiency over the past 50 years. Under the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, passenger cars averaged 13.1 miles per gallon, but this figure has steadily increased to an average of 35.4 miles per gallon in 2024.

The new policy aims to have cars and other light vehicles achieve only 34.9 miles per gallon by 2031, a significant reduction compared to former President Joe Biden's plan to reach 50.4 miles per gallon within the same timeframe.

Environmental advocates have strongly criticized this move, warning that it could have disastrous consequences for both the environment and the economy. The reduced fuel efficiency would lead to more frequent visits to the gas station over a car's lifetime, costing drivers at least $1,600 more. Andy Su, a transportation lawyer at the Environmental Defense Fund, described the new regulations as a "sharp U-turn" that would result in more wasted gas, increased pollution, and higher costs for American consumers already grappling with higher fuel prices.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the policy change, stating that it would lower car prices and make newer, safer vehicles more affordable for American families. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's chief echoed this sentiment, noting that the reduced standards would allow automakers more freedom to design and produce vehicles that consumers actually want.

The changes will affect all vehicles with a model year from 2022 to 2031, with an annual increase of 1.5 percent in fuel efficiency. Despite the drawbacks highlighted by environmentalists, supporters argue that the new standards will lead to cheaper cars, better safety, and greater consumer choice.