The 2031 fleetwide target falls from a projected 50.4 miles per gallon to approximately 34.9 miles per gallon.
The Trump administration finalized lower federal fuel-economy standards Monday, reducing the requirements automakers must meet for new passenger cars and light trucks.
The Department of Transportation said the final standards correspond to a combined fleetwide average of approximately 34.9 miles per gallon for the 2031 model year. Rules adopted during the Biden administration projected an average of 50.4 miles per gallon by that year.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the change would make new vehicles more affordable, preserve consumer choice and reduce pressure on automakers to shift rapidly toward electric vehicles. President Trump said the standards would remove unnecessary manufacturing costs and increase American auto production.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major manufacturers including Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen, supported the decision. The trade group said the previous requirements were out of step with consumer demand and current market conditions.
Environmental groups oppose the change. The Sierra Club said lower requirements would increase pollution and leave drivers spending more on fuel.
The Transportation Department’s own estimates indicate that the standards will reduce new-vehicle costs while increasing gasoline consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions over time.
