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Trump Administration Slashes Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards

HeadlineSep 29, 2026

The Trump administration issued new fuel economy rules on Monday that loosen the limits automakers must meet on pollution from gas-powered cars and light trucks. Rules set under the Biden administration called for vehicles to average about 50 miles per gallon by 2031. The Trump rules cut the target to just under 35 miles per gallon. Dave Cooke, the senior vehicles analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Clean Transportation Program, said, “The federal government’s decision to gut fuel economy standards is a handout to automakers and oil companies that will strap American consumers already struggling with an affordability crisis.”

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