Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, EPA chief Lee Zeldin and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer promoted the policy shift during factory stops in Ohio and a tour of the Detroit Auto Show.
- The administration highlighted enacted steps including ending the $7,500 EV tax credit, rescinding California EV rules and canceling fuel-economy penalties for automakers.
- USDOT’s December proposal to relax CAFE targets projects about $930 lower average upfront vehicle costs but up to 100 billion more gallons of fuel consumed and as much as $185 billion in added fuel spending through 2050.
- EPA action to remove certain federal tailpipe requirements is expected within weeks, according to officials at the event.
- Industry data show record average transaction prices of $50,326 in December and 2025 sales up 2.4% to 16.2 million, as environmental advocates warn the rollbacks will raise long-term costs for drivers.