Trump Expected to Significantly Weaken Fuel‑Economy Rules

White House to Unveil Revised Standards

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is set to announce a major rollback of the federal fuel‑economy standards that have guided vehicle efficiency for more than a decade. The administration will unveil the changes at a press briefing on Wednesday, and senior executives from the country’s largest automakers have been invited to attend.

What the New Rules Could Mean

The proposed revisions would lower the required miles‑per‑gallon (MPG) targets for new cars and light‑duty trucks, giving manufacturers greater leeway to produce larger, less efficient vehicles. Industry analysts warn that the shift could reverse recent gains in fuel savings and increase greenhouse‑gas emissions.

Automakers’ Reaction

Representatives from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda expressed a mixture of concern and cautious optimism. While some executives welcomed the prospect of reduced compliance costs, others highlighted the potential backlash from consumers who have grown accustomed to higher‑efficiency models.

Political and Environmental Implications

Environmental groups have condemned the move as a step backward for climate policy, calling it “a dangerous gamble” that undermines years of progress. In contrast, the White House argues that the changes will protect American jobs and keep the automotive sector competitive in a global market.

Next Steps

The administration plans to release the detailed rulebook later this week, followed by a period for public comment before the final standards are formally adopted. Stakeholders from both the industry and advocacy communities are expected to submit extensive feedback during the comment window.