Trump weakens fuel efficiency rules for cars

The administration finalizes a plan to lower fuel economy standards, reversing Biden-era rules and drawing criticism from health and environmental groups.

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Sep 28, 2026

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Trump weakens fuel efficiency rules for cars

The administration finalizes a plan to lower fuel economy standards, reversing Biden-era rules and drawing criticism from health and environmental groups.

In brief

The administration finalizes a plan to lower fuel economy standards, reversing Biden-era rules and drawing criticism from health and environmental groups. The Trump administration finalized weaker fuel efficiency standards requiring thirty four point nine miles per gallon by model year twenty thirty-one, down from…

Trump administration weakens fuel standards

President Donald Trump makes an announcement at the White House

The US Department of Transportation finalized plans today to weaken fuel efficiency standards, calling it among the largest deregulatory actions under the second Trump Administration.

New rule cuts fuel economy target sharply

Trump's plan requires thirty four point nine miles per gallon by model year twenty thirty-one, down from Biden-era standards that would have required fifty point four miles per gallon.

Administration claims cost savings for buyers

The Trump administration claims its plan would shave one thousand three hundred dollars off the average cost of a new vehicle, saving one hundred thirty-eight billion dollars over the next five years.

Automakers support, critics oppose the rule

Automakers support, critics oppose the rule

Automakers are happy with the new rules. Consumer advocacy, health, and environmental groups argue weaker standards will increase fuel costs for Americans and cause healthcare and climate damages.

Biden standards would have saved drivers money

The Biden administration's standards that Trump reversed were expected to save twenty-three billion dollars in fuel costs and a car owner more than six hundred dollars in gasoline over the lifetime of a vehicle.

Lung Association warns of air quality impact

Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said fuel economy standards have ensured cars are more efficient, saving lives and money, with no reason to weaken technologically feasible standards.

“There is no reason to weaken standards that are technologically feasible and have a direct benefit for the quality of the air people breathe.”

What to remember

The Trump administration finalized weaker fuel efficiency standards requiring thirty four point nine miles per gallon by model year twenty thirty-one, down from Biden-era targets of fifty point four miles per gallon, prompting criticism from consumer and environmental groups.

Read the original on The Verge

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