U.S. states sue Trump administration over fuel efficiency rollbacks

The Trump administration has implemented a new regulatory framework titled ‘Freedom Means More Affordable Cars,’ which significantly relaxes federal fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles and light trucks. The new rules set a target average of approximately 34.9 miles per gallon for the year 2031, a substantial reduction from the 50.4 miles per gallon target previously established by the Biden administration.

Proponents of the measure argue that reducing regulatory costs will lower vehicle prices by an average of $1,300 and save taxpayers $138 billion over the next five years. However, critics and lawmakers, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, warn that these initial savings may be offset by increased gasoline expenditures and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

In response, a coalition of 26 states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with various counties, cities, and environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and Public Citizen, has filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The plaintiffs argue that the deregulation fails to meet Congressional mandates for implementing the maximum feasible levels of pollution control.