Trump revokes Biden-era EV mandate and rolls out lower fuel-economy standards
President Donald Trump announced new fuel-economy rules that scrap the electric-vehicle mandate introduced under Joe Biden.
The Transportation Department released a new set of fuel‑economy regulations that lower the projected 2031 average mileage for new gasoline‑powered cars and light trucks to roughly 34.9 miles per gallon, down from the 50.4 mpg benchmark set by the prior administration. Secretary Sean Duffy said the change fulfills President Trump’s pledge to roll back what the administration called an unlawful requirement and will make vehicles more affordable.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the rule improves the program’s integrity by aligning vehicle affordability with energy‑saving goals. Industry representatives have praised the move, while environmental groups have criticized it for reducing future emissions reductions.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The lower mileage target could reduce vehicle prices for consumers but also slows progress toward U.S. emissions and climate goals.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report the Trump administration’s reduction of the 2031 fuel-economy target to about 34.9 mpg, but left-leaning coverage stresses environmental criticism, center coverage presents the change as a policy shift with cost-saving claims, and right-leaning coverage highlights consumer-price benefits and praise for auto workers.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage frames the rule as a rollback that harms climate goals and enables more gas-guzzling vehicles.
CENTER
Center coverage frames the rule as a regulatory reversal that lowers targets and promises cost savings and safety benefits.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the rule as a victory that will lower car prices, boost American auto manufacturing, and benefit workers.
The left emphasises
- environmentalists criticize the move as a setback for climate efforts
- the change will let automakers sell more gas-guzzlers and raise pump prices
- the rule gutting fuel-economy standards undermines emissions reductions
The right emphasises
- the rollback will lower car prices and save families thousands
- the change is portrayed as a “major victory for America’s auto workers”
- Trump and officials claim the rule will boost domestic auto production and jobs
How this story developed
- Sep 2 Diesel hits $5.68 per gallon, highest since 2022, as Trump urges price cuts
- Sep 18 The Trump administration finalized a partnership to develop 17 oil fields in Venezuela.
- Sep 19 Diesel prices reached $5.68 per gallon, the highest figure since 2022.
- Sep 22 Oil prices fell and AI data demand boosted semiconductor stocks, reversing earlier concerns about oil‑driven market pressure.
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
- Sep 24 President Trump announced support for a diesel export ban.
- Sep 24 Gas storage levels are now reported at about 69% of capacity, below the usual seasonal target.
- Sep 25 Refinery output shifts and refinery strikes have created a measurable shortfall in bunker‑fuel supply for the third quarter.
- Sep 26 The European Union has asked the administration to keep U.S. diesel exports flowing amid the price surge.
- Sep 26 President Donald Trump announced new fuel-economy rules that scrap the electric-vehicle mandate introduced under Joe Biden.
- Sep 27 The yen rose about 0.8% to 157.65 per dollar after Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama highlighted possible coordinated intervention.
- Sep 27 The Saudi pipeline across the Arabian Peninsula was closed after an attack in Iraq, adding to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 28 The 2031 fuel‑economy target was lowered to roughly 34.9 mpg.
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