Trump administration moves to cut federal fuel-economy standards for new vehicles

Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, said the Trump administration will shortly release a revised set of fuel-economy regulations that substantially lower the mileage targets for cars and trucks. The draft, issued by NHTSA in December, projects an industry-wide combined average of roughly 34.5 mpg for passenger vehicles and light trucks by the 2031 model year, a drop from the approximately 50.4 mpg required under the prior rules.

The plan also reduces the 2022 standard and caps yearly gains at between 0.25 percent and 0.5 percent through 2031. The administration argues the shift will let Detroit build vehicles that reflect market preferences instead of meeting strict federal goals. NHTSA estimates the relaxed standards could shave about $930 off the price of a new vehicle, while also projecting higher fuel consumption, increased fuel costs, and a modest rise in carbon emissions over the coming decades.