Overview
- The administration said NHTSA will cut upcoming CAFE requirements, with one proposal reported to set average fuel economy near 34.5 mpg for model year 2031 versus 50.4 mpg under prior plans.
- The Department of Transportation plans to open a 45-day public comment period once the proposal is published in the Federal Register, followed by a public hearing.
- Trump argued the step will lower sticker prices, claiming typical buyers could save about $1,000 on a new vehicle.
- Automaker leaders, including Ford CEO Jim Farley and Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, welcomed the shift as better aligned with current market demand.
- Environmental advocates condemned the rollback, warning of higher gasoline costs and increased emissions, noting NHTSA had projected Biden-era rules would have cut fuel use by 242 billion liters and reduced 659 million metric tons of emissions.