KATHMANDU: President Donald Trump has proposed a sharp rollback of U.S. fuel-economy rules for cars and light trucks, according to global media reports.
The plan was announced on December 3. The earlier rule required new cars and light trucks to average 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) (21.4 km/L) by 2031. That target pushed automakers to build very fuel-efficient vehicles that used less petrol. Trump’s new plan lowers that target to 34.5 mpg (12.21 km/L).
This means future cars won’t need to be as efficient and will use more fuel. The new plan also slows the yearly fuel-efficiency improvements required between 2022 and 2031.
The White House says the previous rules were too strict. Officials argue the old standards pushed buyers toward electric vehicles. They claim the new plan will lower the cost of new cars.
The administration estimates a price drop of around US $1,000 per vehicle. It says the goal is simple: give consumers more choice and keep gasoline cars in the market.
Representatives from major automakers joined the announcement. Ford called the change “a win for customers and common sense.” Stellantis said the new targets match real market conditions.
Companies argue that relaxed rules let them build the cars buyers want, instead of focusing only on small or highly efficient models.
Environmental groups and experts strongly oppose the plan. They say weaker standards will increase gasoline use and raise emissions. Critics also warn that drivers may spend more on fuel over time. One expert said the rollback will bring back “gas guzzlers” that produce heavy pollution.
The proposal may slow down EV investment in the U.S. Automakers could shift resources back to gasoline vehicles. Larger SUVs and trucks may gain even more ground. Buyers may see cheaper options upfront, but long-term fuel costs could rise.
The change in U.S. policy may influence global markets. A weaker push from one of the world’s biggest auto industries could slow worldwide EV momentum.
It may also raise global fuel demand, affecting oil-importing countries. Many nations working on climate goals may see this shift as a setback.
