Trump rolls back Biden-era fuel economy standard, reshaping US auto rules

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced a sweeping rollback of the fuel-economy standard introduced under the previous administration — a move that reduces the 2031 fuel-efficiency target from about 50.4 miles-per-gallon (mpg) to roughly 34.5 mpg. The decision marks a major shift in U.S. policy on vehicle emissions and fuel economy.

What the rollback entails

• The administration’s plan lowers the required fleet-wide average fuel economy for new light-duty cars and trucks to 34.5 mpg by 2031, a sharp drop from the 50.4 mpg target set under former President Joe Biden.
• It eliminates certain compliance mechanisms, including credit-trading programs that allowed automakers to offset inefficiencies under the stricter standards.
• The administration argues the change will reduce the cost of new vehicles — lowering sticker prices and giving consumers more affordable purchasing options.

Supporters’ view: affordability and consumer-friendly auto policies

Automakers and industry supporters have welcomed the change, calling it a “reset” that aligns vehicle production with market demand. Executives from major car manufacturers said the previous requirements were unrealistic and drove up the cost of cars, especially for gas-powered models. Al Jazeera

Proponents suggest that by easing regulatory burden, the rollback will restore affordability for many Americans seeking practical, conventional vehicles rather than high-cost electric or ultra-efficient models. The White House

Critics’ warning: environmental setback and higher long-term fuel costs

Environmental advocates and climate-policy experts have condemned the decision, warning it will increase gasoline consumption, greenhouse-gas emissions, and overall air pollution. The Washington Post

They argue the rollback undermines efforts to reduce carbon emissions and slows down progress toward cleaner mobility. With less incentive for automakers to invest in electric vehicles or high-efficiency technologies, the change could stall the transition to greener transportation. The Washington Post

Moreover, while the initial car purchase price might drop, critics warn that consumers could end up spending more on fuel over time — potentially negating short-term savings.