
Trump slashes fuel economy standards, shifting auto policy to market forces
President Trump approved new federal fuel economy standards on September 26, 2026, lowering the required average for cars and light trucks from 50.4 miles per gallon to 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031. This move, to be formally announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday, removes previous mandates that favored electric vehicles. While the administration claims this will lower vehicle costs, critics note that Congress already repealed penalties for non-compliance, making the new standards largely advisory. The decision occurs amid rising gasoline prices and a global trend toward electric vehicles.













