Trump's Terms President Trump announces plan to roll back fuel economy standards
Dec 4, 2025
In this discussion, Camilla Domenoski, an NPR reporter specializing in policy and politics, delves into President Trump's controversial plan to roll back fuel economy standards. She traces the roller coaster of fuel regulations from Obama to Biden, focusing on Trump’s efforts to minimize emissions targets. Camilla highlights the clash between economic arguments and environmental health concerns, explaining how this rollback benefits automakers at the cost of cleaner vehicles. She also discusses the long-term implications for future policies.
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Fuel Standards Reset And Slower Targets
- The administration plans to roll back Biden-era fuel economy standards to 2022 levels and slow yearly improvement targets from 2% to 0.5%.
- This change, framed as affordability, likely favors automakers and larger vehicles while eroding emissions and health gains.
Smaller Yearly Efficiency Gains
- The proposed rollback would reduce required annual efficiency gains from 2% to 0.5%, weakening the regulatory push for cleaner cars.
- That shift could increase sales of less efficient pickups and raise long-term fuel costs and pollution.
Health Concerns Versus Affordability Claim
- Environmental and public health groups call the rollback a step backward for human health and the environment.
- The administration counters by arguing stricter rules raise vehicle costs despite gasoline savings over time.