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Trump Plan Lowers 2031 U.S. Fuel-Economy Goal to 34.5 MPG, Winning Automaker Backing and Drawing Criticism

Supporters cast the shift from Biden-era rules as a move to lower sticker prices for buyers.

Overview

  • Trump’s proposal would set a 34.5 miles-per-gallon fleet average for model year 2031, down from the Biden-era target of 50.4 mpg.
  • Stellantis chief Antonio Filosa and Ford chief Jim Farley praised the rollback, describing it as better aligned with customer demand and affordability.
  • Critics say weaker standards will raise drivers’ lifetime fuel costs and emissions and risk leaving North American automakers behind as China dominates global EV production.
  • NHTSA’s analysis accompanying the plan notes car buyers often fail to fully value long-term fuel savings when purchasing vehicles.
  • Prior changes cited by supporters include the end of a federal EV tax credit and the removal of fines for failing to meet fuel-efficiency rules.