Trump administration rolls back U.S. vehicle fuel-efficiency standards through 2031
The U.S. government announced a major relaxation of fuel-economy rules for cars and trucks, lowering the 2031 fleet target to 14.7 km per litre.
President Donald Trump signed off on a sweeping revision of U.S. fuel-economy standards that will reduce the required average mileage of new cars and trucks to 14.7 kilometres per litre by 2031, a sharp decline from the 21.4 km/L goal established under the prior administration. The Department of Transportation is set to issue the final rule on Monday, with Secretary Sean Duffy hailing the move as a major win for domestic auto labor.
The administration argues the new standards will lower the purchase price of new vehicles, but internal estimates acknowledge a long-term rise in fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions. The policy shift comes amid sharply higher gasoline prices following the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized the decision, saying it hands clean-technology leadership to China and forces American drivers to pay more at the pump.
Why it matters
The rollback will make new cars cheaper but increase fuel use and emissions, affecting consumers, the environment and the auto industry.
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