Trump administration cuts US fuel efficiency target to 34.9 mpg by 2031, down from Biden's 50 mpg goal
By Eve
The Trump administration has revised fuel efficiency standards for new cars and light trucks, reducing the annual improvement rate from 2% to 1% and setting a 2031 target of 34.9 miles per gallon instead of the Biden era 50 mpg goal. The rollback affects standards first implemented by Congress in 1975, which have historically reduced vehicle related emissions and fuel costs. PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center warns the change puts progress on air quality, climate pollution and public health at risk for Pennsylvania and the wider United States.
Why it matters
Lower fuel efficiency standards will slow the transition to cleaner vehicles, potentially reducing demand for EV charging infrastructure as internal combustion engines remain more competitive for longer. Procurement teams and charge point operators may need to revise growth forecasts if fleet electrification timelines extend beyond current projections.
Source
- Original title
- “What Trump’s fuel efficiency rollback means for Pennsylvanians”
- Published
- 2 October 2026
- Updated
- 3 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- United States
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