With gas at $4.47 per gallon, Trump set to relax Biden-era emissions standards

What happened

The Trump administration is set to release new fuel economy standards that would relax regulatory requirements for automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. The new standards would set the industry fleetwide average for light-duty vehicles at roughly 34.5 miles per gallon in the 2031 model year, down from a projected 50.4 miles per gallon under previous rules. This change would further Trump's policy to revoke policies that encouraged electric vehicle productio

Why it matters

The relaxation of fuel economy standards could make driving more expensive for consumers, who are already facing high gas prices. This could also result in increased air pollution and negative environmental impacts. Americans are spending more on gas due to disruptions in the global fuel market.

Key facts

• The average new car in America sold for $50,089 in August.
• The national average price for a gallon of gas was $4.47 on Sunday.
• The new standards would save $1,400 to $3,600 on a new car, according to the Trump administration.
• The change would result in 22,111 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than under previous rules.
• The new standards would set the industry fleetwide average for light-duty vehicles at roughly 34.5 miles per gallon in the 2031 model year.

Context

Mileage standards, known as the corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, have been implemented since the 1970s energy crisis.

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Donald Trump

🇺🇸 United States · President

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