**Trump Announces Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards**
*September 26, 2026*
In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has unveiled new fuel economy standards that aim to reverse the regulations established during his predecessor's administration. The announcement, made via social media, highlights Trump's intention to eliminate what he refers to as the "EV mandate" imposed by former President Joe Biden. Trump argues that the rollback will lower automobile prices and encourage domestic production among manufacturers.
The new standards are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to dismantle policies that support lower-emission vehicles. Trump claims that the previous administration's requirements were burdensome for carmakers and directed consumers towards electric vehicles, which he believes are costly and not in line with consumer preferences.
“These new Standards will take the waste out of building cars in America. That means LOWER PRICES, saving families thousands on a new, beautiful, and safe car,” Trump stated in his post. He has positioned the changes as beneficial for American families, suggesting that they will lead to more affordable vehicles.
Central to this policy debate are the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, a framework established by Congress in 1975. These standards require automakers to meet average fuel economy targets across their vehicle fleets. Under the Biden administration, the CAFE standards were set to increase significantly, with a target of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2031, up from 39.1 mpg. This increase was part of an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, addressing climate change while also aiming to save motorists money at the gas pump.
In contrast, Trump's proposed standards, which he announced in December 2025, would set the industry fleetwide average for light-duty vehicles at around 34.5 mpg by 2031. This figure represents a reduction of more than 30 percent compared to the Biden-era regulations. While specific details of the new standards have not yet been disclosed, the direction indicates a significant departure from the previous administration's environmental goals.
The rollback of these fuel economy standards has garnered attention not only for its implications on vehicle pricing but also for its potential impact on the auto industry’s shift towards electric vehicles. Under Biden's policies, automakers had increased their production of EVs to comply with the stricter fuel economy requirements. However, the Republican-controlled Congress had previously eliminated consumer tax incentives for electric vehicles, complicating the landscape for EV adoption.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that more details regarding the new standards will be forthcoming, stating that an announcement is expected soon. As the administration prepares to implement these changes, the implications for consumers, manufacturers, and the environment remain to be seen.
Al Jazeera has reached out to the White House for further comments regarding the new fuel economy standards and their anticipated effects on the automotive industry and consumer choices.