January 08, 2026

Rolling Back Fuel Economy Standards Is a Step Backward

The Trump Administration is rolling back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, a move that would undo years of progress on fuel savings, cleaner air, and climate protection.

By Ann Mesnikoff, Federal Legislative Director

CAFE standards are U.S. regulations set by National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that mandate minimum average fuel efficiency for a manufacturer’s entire fleet of new cars and light trucks, aiming to reduce oil consumption, save dollars at at the gas pump and fuel and cut climate and air pollution by increasing efficiency requirements over time. These standards are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce pollution from cars and trucks while saving drivers money at the pump. Weakening them now would be bad policy, plain and simple.

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CAFE standards work

Strong fuel economy standards have helped Americans use less oil, cut climate pollution, and lower fuel costs for decades. Transportation remains the largest source of climate pollution in the United States, and tailpipe emissions also worsen smog and public health, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution. By reducing oil consumption, these standards also help reduce toxic air pollution from oil production and refining. Rolling back these standards would lock in higher oil consumption and more harmful emissions for years to come.

CAFE Standards make cars more affordable

Making these standards weaker will make driving more expensive. Fuel costs are a major household expense, and efficient vehicles save drivers thousands of dollars over their lifetimes. Any short-term reduction in sticker price is quickly erased by higher gas bills every time drivers fill up. Strong standards put money back in consumers’ pockets while protecting public health. My colleague Rob Kelter had a strong guest column in the Akron Beacon Journal outlining this point.

This rollback threatens American innovation and competitiveness

Automakers have already met existing standards and invested in efficient technologies, hybrids, and electric vehicles to compete in a global market that is rapidly moving toward cleaner transportation. Going backward undermines U.S. leadership, weakens the auto industry’s future, and sends the wrong signal to manufacturers and workers alike.

For the Midwest and Great Lakes region, the stakes are especially high. Climate change is already driving extreme heat, flooding, and water quality threats that endanger communities, economies, and drinking water supplies. Weakening fuel economy standards would accelerate these impacts rather than address them.

I testified this week in front of NHTSA to outline detail why the proposed rollback is misguided and harmful, and why the agency should keep strong standards in place. The climate, consumers, and American innovation all depend on it.

READ MY TESTIMONY

Tell US DOT to keep affordable fuel standards:
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