Story perspectives

DOT Final Rule Cuts 2031 CAFE Target to 34.9 mpg

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Household gasoline cost rise

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a rule on September 28 2026 lowering Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for new cars and light trucks.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the rule correctly aligns fuel-economy standards with current market conditions.
The rule sets a 2031 fleet-average target of 34.9 mpg, down from the 50.4 mpg Biden standard.
The Environmental Defense Fund warned the rollback could raise household gasoline spending by about $1,600.

Left

Higher emissions risk

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule on September 28 2026 that lowers Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for new cars and light trucks.
The rollback is projected to raise fuel use, increase emissions, and jeopardize public health, especially for vulnerable communities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the rule would lower the average new-vehicle price by $1,300.
The rule would add about 100 billion gallons of fuel use through 2050.

Blindspot

American Lung Association president Harold Wimmer warned the rule will raise air pollution and endanger children’s respiratory health.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage in the reporting overall.

1 of 3

Household gasoline cost rise

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a rule on September 28 2026 lowering Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for new cars and light trucks.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the rule correctly aligns fuel-economy standards with current market conditions.
The rule sets a 2031 fleet-average target of 34.9 mpg, down from the 50.4 mpg Biden standard.
The Environmental Defense Fund warned the rollback could raise household gasoline spending by about $1,600.

1 / 3