U.S. to slash fuel efficiency rules

Trump proposal could lead to more carbon emissions and pollution

- TONY BRISCOE AND HAYLEY SMITH

VEHICLES merge onto Interstate 110 through downtown L.A. in November.

RONALDO BOLANOS Los Angeles Times

President Trump on Wednesday announced a proposal to weaken fuel economy rules for the auto industry, loosening pressure on automakers to control pollution from gasoline powered cars and trucks.

The plan, expected to be finalized next year, would significantly reduce fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles in the 2031 model year.

At that time, the average for new light-duty vehicles would be roughly 34.5 miles per gallon. Under President Biden, automakers would have been required to average about 50 mpg for light duty vehicles by 2031. That compares with about 39 mpg today.

The proposal could enable carmakers to manufacture and sell larger, heavier and less fuel-efficient vehicles across the country—including in California. Although the state has been allowed to regulate vehicle tailpipe emissions, it cannot set fuel economy standards - the distance a car can drive on a gallon of fuel.

Under the Trump plan, vehicles are likely to produce more planet-warming carbon emissions and air pollution, making it increasingly difficult for California policymakers to reduce smog in Los Angeles and take action to stave off severe climate change.

In a news conference Wednesday, Trump joined several executives from Ford, General Motors and Stellantis in the Oval Office, saying the proposal will allow car companies to produce more affordable cars and give consumers a broader choice of gas-powered models.

"Today, my administration is taking historic action to lower costs for American consumers, protect American auto jobs and make buying a car much more affordable for countless American families," Trump said. "We're officially terminating Joe Biden's ridiculously burdensome, horrible... standards to impose expensive restrictions and all sorts of problems to automakers.