GoKawiilDOT finalizes rollback of vehicle fuel economy standards to 34.9 mpg by 2031
The US Department of Transportation finalized a rule lowering fuel economy targets, replacing the Biden administration's requirement of 50.4 miles per gallon by model year 2031 with a 34.9 mpg standard. The agency called it one of the largest deregulatory moves of the second Trump administration and said it would cut $1,300 off the average cost of a new vehicle, saving $138 billion over five years.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Automakers have welcomed the change, likely because lower efficiency mandates reduce compliance costs and engineering constraints on their vehicle lineups. Consumer, health and environmental groups dispute the administration's savings figures, arguing drivers will instead face higher fuel costs, worse air quality and greater climate-related expenses, pointing to Biden-era estimates of $23 billion in fuel savings and over $600 saved per vehicle owner.
- New standard requires 34.9 mpg fleet average by model year 2031, down from Biden's 50.4 mpg target.
- Trump administration claims $1,300 lower vehicle costs and $138 billion in savings over five years, figures critics dispute.
- Health and environmental groups warn of higher fuel costs, pollution and healthcare impacts from weaker standards.
Source: theverge.com — Justine Calma, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Trump finalizes rule to make cars less fuel efficient”
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