US Department of Transportation Takes Draconian Step Back on Environmental Policies, Gas Guzzlers Ahead.
The Trump administration has unveiled plans to roll back fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, effectively giving the green light to more gas-guzzling vehicles. The proposed rulemaking by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would lower the average fuel efficiency standard from 50.4 miles per gallon to a paltry 34.5 miles per gallon, set to take effect in model year 2031.
A move that was all but expected after Trump took office again, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered the review of fuel efficiency standards just days into his tenure. The current administration has also eliminated a tax credit for buying electric vehicles, essentially making it more difficult for US drivers to transition to cleaner modes of transportation.
Meanwhile, international manufacturers are rapidly advancing in their efforts to develop better electric vehicles, offering consumers in other markets more appealing options that won't be available here due to tariffs. In contrast, the Trump administration's move is likely to come at a significant cost - estimated savings of $109 billion over five years - which may not even offset the predicted increases in gas prices.
Critics argue that this decision will have far-reaching and devastating consequences, exacerbating climate change and its associated catastrophic weather events. The potential financial burden on individuals and society at large is incalculable, making this move a reckless gamble with the environment's future.
The Trump administration has unveiled plans to roll back fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, effectively giving the green light to more gas-guzzling vehicles. The proposed rulemaking by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would lower the average fuel efficiency standard from 50.4 miles per gallon to a paltry 34.5 miles per gallon, set to take effect in model year 2031.
A move that was all but expected after Trump took office again, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered the review of fuel efficiency standards just days into his tenure. The current administration has also eliminated a tax credit for buying electric vehicles, essentially making it more difficult for US drivers to transition to cleaner modes of transportation.
Meanwhile, international manufacturers are rapidly advancing in their efforts to develop better electric vehicles, offering consumers in other markets more appealing options that won't be available here due to tariffs. In contrast, the Trump administration's move is likely to come at a significant cost - estimated savings of $109 billion over five years - which may not even offset the predicted increases in gas prices.
Critics argue that this decision will have far-reaching and devastating consequences, exacerbating climate change and its associated catastrophic weather events. The potential financial burden on individuals and society at large is incalculable, making this move a reckless gamble with the environment's future.
I'm not surprised by this move, but it's still super disappointing. It feels like we're taking steps backward instead of forward when it comes to addressing climate change. The fact that they're essentially giving the green light to gas-guzzlers is alarming, especially with all the advancements being made in electric vehicles globally. 
It's crazy that international manufacturers are already offering better options abroad, while we're stuck dealing with tariffs and poor policies here.
. This move feels like a shortsighted decision that will have far-reaching consequences. Can't we just invest in cleaner transportation options instead of trying to cut corners? 
u guys think this is a good idea? rolling back fuel efficiency standards? it's like they're giving the thumbs up to gas-guzzling vehicles 
. i'm not sure about the savings, $109 billion doesn't seem that bad considering what we could be saving in terms of climate change costs... and what's going on with electric vehicles anyway? china and europe are killing it with their EVs 
. our own gov is just taking a step back 
. do u think this decision will hurt us more than help us in the long run? 
! They're basically saying it's okay to pollute more and hurt our planet for the sake of saving some $$$ 
. The fact that they're cutting a tax credit for EVs makes it even harder for people to make sustainable choices 
. And don't even get me started on the impact this will have on climate change and extreme weather events 
. We need to think about our future, not just our wallets 
and now they're gonna make it worse 
electric vehicles are the future 
️ but we can't even get those affordable 
more congestion more pollution 
we need to think about our future, not just our wallets 
the estimated savings of $109 billion over 5 years cant even compare to the potential damage we could be doing to the planet 
I'm literally shocked by this decision... Like what are they even thinking?! They're basically giving the green light to more pollution and destruction of our planet. And it's not just about the environment, it's also about the people who will be affected - the ones living in areas with poor air quality, the ones who can't afford a new car or electric vehicle... It's so selfish 
. And don't even get me started on the potential costs... $109 billion is a small price to pay for our planet's future 
and we're all just along for the ride... or should i say, we're all just gonna be stuck in our gas-guzzling SUVs 
it's not like climate change is a thing or that we have a finite amount of time to figure things out... but hey, at least those electric vehicles will look nice on your Instagram feed 
. And what if this policy starts affecting the whole country? Our future is at stake here, guys... I'm really worried about the weather too 
just another step back for America, it seems like they're all about the benjamins over the planet 