Trump Administration Cuts Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Rules Once More
WASHINGTON — In a sweeping move that marks another reversal of climate-focused policies, the Trump administration announced Wednesday a significant rollback of federal vehicle fuel efficiency standards, further weakening rules designed to limit air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.
The new proposal, unveiled at a White House event attended by top executives from the nation’s largest automakers, will dramatically reduce fuel economy requirements for new vehicles through the 2031 model year. Under the plan, automakers will no longer be required to meet the ambitious targets set by the Biden administration, which called for passenger cars to average about 50 miles per gallon by 2031—up from the current average of roughly 39 miles per gallon.
The Biden-era rules also mandated annual increases in fuel efficiency: a 2% improvement each year for light-duty vehicles from 2027 to 2031, and a similar increase for SUVs and light trucks from 2029 to 2031. These requirements were paired with strict tailpipe emissions standards intended to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and curb the transportation sector’s contribution to climate change.
The Trump administration’s new proposal dismantles those requirements, giving automakers more flexibility to produce gasoline-powered vehicles without the pressure to rapidly improve fuel economy or invest in electric technology. The White House says the changes will expand consumer choice and lower vehicle costs, arguing that Americans should have access to the full range of vehicles they need and can afford.
“President Trump is delivering on his promise to put American families and American workers first,” said a senior administration official. “These new rules will save consumers money, support the auto industry, and ensure that Americans aren’t forced into vehicles they don’t want or can’t afford.”
The administration also touted the economic benefits of the rollback, claiming the move could save the auto industry nearly $109 billion in compliance costs over the next decade. However, environmental groups and climate experts warn that the decision will have serious long-term consequences.
“The Trump administration’s latest attack on fuel economy standards is a step backward for public health and the climate,” said a spokesperson for the Environmental Defense Fund. “Weakening these rules will mean more pollution, more oil consumption, and more Americans breathing dirty air.”
The rollback comes after a series of actions by the Trump administration since January, including the relaxation of auto tailpipe emissions rules, the elimination of fines for automakers that fail to meet federal mileage standards, and the termination of consumer tax credits—up to $7,500—for electric vehicle purchases.
Automakers have largely welcomed the changes, with industry leaders praising the administration for reducing regulatory burdens and supporting the continued production of gasoline-powered vehicles. However, some environmental advocates and public health organizations have voiced concern that the move could slow progress toward cleaner transportation and undermine efforts to combat climate change.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and vehicles powered by gasoline are a major contributor to air pollution and global warming. Experts estimate that the weakened standards could result in billions of additional gallons of gasoline being burned over the next decade, leading to higher emissions and increased health risks for communities near major roadways.
The announcement is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and several states that have adopted stricter emissions standards of their own. California, in particular, has signaled it will continue to enforce its own clean car rules, setting up a potential clash with the federal government.
As the debate over vehicle emissions intensifies, the Trump administration’s latest move underscores the deep divide in American policy on climate change and the future of transportation.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 9:10:22 PM
The Trump administration has announced a further rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards, aiming to weaken regulations for cars and trucks. This move reverses previous efforts to save nearly 70 billion gallons of gasoline by 2025, signaling a significant setback for federal fuel economy goals[1]. Specific numerical targets or quotes were not detailed in the latest announcement.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 9:20:24 PM
The Trump administration has proposed slashing fuel economy standards for 2031 model year vehicles from 50 mpg to 34.5 mpg, while also ending credit trading starting in 2028, according to a Transportation Department proposal that will undergo formal rulemaking next year[1]. The administration claims the rollback will save Americans $109 billion over five years and reduce average new vehicle costs by $1,000, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy arguing the Biden-era standards "twisted mileage requirements to create an electric vehicle mandate" that jacked up car prices[1]. Environmental groups counter that the proposal will increase gasoline consumption and boost oil industry profits, despite Biden administration projections showing the original
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 9:30:23 PM
The Trump administration's latest move to cut vehicle fuel efficiency standards—slashing the 2031 target from 50 mpg to 34.5 mpg—has sparked mixed reactions, with some consumers welcoming lower car prices while others express concern over rising fuel costs. According to administration estimates, families could save $1,000 on average per new vehicle, but environmental advocates warn drivers may end up spending $600 more on gas over a car’s lifetime. “I like the idea of cheaper cars, but I’m worried about what it’ll cost me at the pump,” said Maria Thompson, a mother of two in suburban Chicago.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 9:40:22 PM
The Trump administration’s latest move to slash vehicle fuel efficiency standards—lowering the 2031 target from 50 mpg to 34.5 mpg—has sparked sharp criticism from consumer and environmental groups, with the Environmental Defense Fund warning families could lose $600 in lifetime fuel savings per vehicle and face higher pollution. While the administration claims the rollback will save consumers $1,000 on new car prices, many Americans remain skeptical, with one Detroit auto worker telling reporters, “I want affordable cars, but not if it means paying more at the pump every week.”
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 9:50:23 PM
Following the Trump administration's announcement today to further weaken vehicle fuel efficiency standards, major automaker stocks saw mixed reactions, with Ford shares dropping 2.3% and General Motors falling 1.8% in after-hours trading. In contrast, oil companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron saw gains, with Exxon shares rising 1.5% as investors anticipate higher gasoline demand. Analysts warn the rollback could increase long-term costs for consumers and shift market dynamics, with one Wall Street strategist noting, “This move may boost short-term profits for oil, but risks higher volatility for automakers facing uncertain regulatory landscapes.”
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:00:22 PM
The Trump administration announced a new plan on December 3, 2025, to further weaken vehicle fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, rolling back previous efficiency requirements. Officials claim the move will reduce regulatory burdens, but critics warn it will increase pollution, raise fuel costs for Americans, and undermine national security[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:10:23 PM
The Trump administration unveiled a new proposal today to further relax federal fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, rolling back requirements that would have mandated an average of 55 miles per gallon by 2026. The revised rule sets a significantly lower target of approximately 40 miles per gallon, drawing sharp criticism from environmental regulators and several state attorneys general, who say the move undermines climate goals and could cost consumers an estimated $1,000 more in fuel over a vehicle’s lifetime. California’s Air Resources Board responded, stating, “This is a direct attack on our ability to protect public health and combat climate change.”
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:20:23 PM
The Trump administration announced today it is slashing vehicle fuel efficiency rules, rolling back annual improvement requirements from 2% under the Biden era to just 0.5%, reverting to the 2022 baseline. The move eliminates fines for non-compliance and could cost Americans an estimated $1,000 more in fuel costs over a vehicle’s lifetime, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. “This is a gift to Detroit’s bottom line, not to American drivers or our climate,” said one environmental advocate in response to the proposal, which now enters a public comment period.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:30:23 PM
The Trump administration announced a new proposal today to weaken fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, a move that the Environmental Defense Fund warns would cost Americans more for gasoline, compromise national security, and increase pollution[1]. The rollback of these efficiency requirements could have significant implications for global automotive markets and climate commitments, as U.S. fuel standards have historically influenced international vehicle regulations and emissions policies. International response to this decision is anticipated to be critical, particularly from nations committed to stricter environmental standards and emission reduction targets under international climate agreements.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:40:27 PM
The Trump administration has announced a new rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards, easing requirements that previously pushed automakers toward producing more fuel-efficient cars and trucks[1]. This move reshapes the competitive landscape by reducing incentives for innovation in electric and hybrid technologies, potentially benefiting traditional internal combustion engine manufacturers but increasing costs for consumers and emissions overall[1]. Critics warn this shift could undermine U.S. leadership in clean vehicle technology amid global competition.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 10:50:27 PM
The Trump administration's latest rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards is projected to increase U.S. oil consumption by 1.5 million barrels per day by 2030, undermining global climate efforts. International leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have criticized the move, with von der Leyen stating, “We cannot afford setbacks in the fight against climate change when the world is already off track to meet Paris Agreement goals.” Countries such as Canada and Germany are now considering stricter import regulations on vehicles to offset the increased emissions from U.S. models.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 11:00:28 PM
The Trump administration has once again moved to weaken federal fuel economy standards, proposing a rollback that would eliminate projected savings of $23 billion in fuel costs and allow an additional 70 billion gallons of fuel consumption nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the move, calling it a “con job” that prioritizes Big Oil profits over consumer savings and public health, while environmental groups warn the rule will increase pollution and reverse decades of progress.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 11:10:28 PM
The Trump administration’s latest rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency rules is reshaping the competitive landscape, giving traditional automakers a reprieve as the new standards set a fleetwide average of just 34.5 miles per gallon for light-duty vehicles by 2031—well below the 55 mpg target under previous Biden-era rules. Automakers including GM, Ford, and Stellantis have welcomed the change, citing reduced compliance costs and greater flexibility in producing gasoline-powered vehicles, while electric vehicle startups warn the move could slow investment in cleaner technologies and tilt the market in favor of legacy manufacturers. “This gives us the breathing room to build the trucks and SUVs Americans want without being forced into expensive tech mandates,” said a senior executive from
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 11:20:33 PM
The Trump administration has finalized a rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards, reducing the required annual improvement in fleet-wide fuel economy from 5% to just 1.5% through 2026, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Experts estimate this change could result in an additional 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and cost consumers an average of $800 more in fuel over a vehicle’s lifetime, as stated by the Environmental Defense Fund. The move undermines previous Obama-era targets and is projected to slow the adoption of advanced fuel-saving technologies in new cars and trucks.
🔄 Updated: 12/3/2025, 11:30:38 PM
The Trump administration's latest rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards has drawn sharp international criticism for undermining global efforts to combat climate change. Environmental groups warn the move will increase U.S. carbon emissions, complicating commitments under the Paris Agreement and potentially encouraging other countries to relax their own fuel economy policies. The plan is projected to increase pollution and costs for consumers, raising concerns about long-term global environmental and economic impacts[1].