DOT rolls back fuel economy standards to pre-Biden levels amid record gas prices
The US Department of Transportation issued its Freedom Means Affordable Cars rule, formally called SAFE Vehicles Rule III, reverting corporate average fuel economy standards to pre-Biden-era levels. Secretary Sean Duffy framed the move as ending an illegal EV mandate, while the agency claims it will lower new-vehicle prices by $1,300 and save consumers $138 billion over five years. The change comes as AAA reports regular gas averaging $4.48 a gallon and diesel $6.45, with prices up more than 50% since the Iran conflict began.