By — Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-administration-lowers-fuel-economy-standards-critics-say-at-a-significant-environmental-cost Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump administration lowers fuel economy standards, critics say at a significant environmental cost Politics Sep 28, 2026 10:53 AM EDT NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration released new fuel economy standards Monday that relax regulatory requirements for automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. Fuel economy requirements set out how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline. The change furthers President Donald Trump's promise to revoke policies that encouraged or created incentives for the production of electric vehicles. READ MORE: Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it's an 'inexpensive price to pay' for the Iran war "Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we have finally ended the illegal mandate that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles that American families didn't want," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a statement touting vehicle affordability and investment in American auto workers. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration released new fuel economy standards Monday that relax regulatory requirements for automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. Fuel economy requirements set out how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline. The change furthers President Donald Trump's promise to revoke policies that encouraged or created incentives for the production of electric vehicles. READ MORE: Rising gas prices frustrate voters. Trump says it's an 'inexpensive price to pay' for the Iran war "Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we have finally ended the illegal mandate that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles that American families didn't want," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a statement touting vehicle affordability and investment in American auto workers. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now