US finalizes lower fuel economy standards, raising emissions and fuel use through 2031

The Trump administration will finalize sharply lower vehicle fuel economy standards on Monday, reversing the Biden-era push toward electric vehicles. The new rules set a fleetwide average of 34.5 miles per gallon by 2031, down from 50.4 mpg under the previous plan. Officials estimate the change cuts average new vehicle costs by $930 but increases fuel consumption by about 100 billion gallons through 2050 and raises carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 5 percent. Automakers will find it easier to sell less efficient vehicles, but critics point out that drivers will face higher fuel bills over time. The Transportation Department's own estimates show fuel spending rising by $185 billion through 2050. This policy shift comes amid elevated fuel prices tied to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, making the near-term trade-off between upfront vehicle cost and long-term fuel costs a central issue for consumers.