US Fuel Economy Standards: Lawmakers Oppose NHTSA Rollback Proposal

On February 4, a group of eighty Democratic lawmakers in Congress called on the administration to abandon a proposal that would weaken US fuel economy standards finalized in 2024. The lawmakers argued that rolling back the rules would undermine progress on efficiency, raise consumer costs, and increase pollution across the automotive sector.

Proposed changes to fuel economy rules

In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed sharply lowering fuel economy requirements for vehicles produced between model years 2022 and 2031. Under the plan, automakers would be required to reach an average of 34.5 miles per gallon by 2031, compared with the 50.4 miles per gallon target set under the previous rule.

Shift from earlier efficiency targets

The proposal would revise the 2022 standards and then raise fuel economy by just 0.25% to 0.5% per year through 2031. By contrast, earlier rules increased efficiency by 8% annually for model years 2024–2025 and by 10% for 2026, marking a far more aggressive push on vehicle fuel efficiency standards.

Lawmakers cite economic and environmental risks

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the lawmakers said the proposal would lead to higher fuel consumption, increased air pollution, and “allow auto manufacturers to continue to prioritize larger vehicles that produce higher profit margins — a shift that is already driving up the cost of cars.” According to the NHTSA’s own analysis, while the proposed rule could lower average upfront vehicle prices by about USD 930, it would also result in roughly 100 billion gallons of additional fuel consumption through 2050. The agency estimated this would cost Americans up to USD 185 billion more in fuel and raise carbon dioxide emissions by around 5%.

Impact on innovation and vehicle choice

The lawmakers emphasized that strong US fuel economy standards have historically driven innovation, including hybridization, advanced powertrains, and aerodynamic improvements. They also noted that tougher rules encourage manufacturers to offer smaller, more efficient vehicles that are often more affordable for buyers. Beyond passenger cars, the NHTSA said on January 30 that it also plans to unwind fuel economy and emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and passenger vans, extending the debate over the future direction of automotive emissions regulations in the United States.