WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy Reset Fuel Economy Standards, End Illegal EV Mandate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today unveiled the rule to reset the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, ending the Biden-Buttigieg administration’s illegal standards that went far beyond the requirements mandated by Congress to artificially juice supply for electric vehicles that American consumers didn’t ask for.
The initiative – called “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” – will:
- Give automakers the flexibility to manufacturer cars the public wants to buy
- Reduce the average cost of a new vehicle by $1,300 for American families
- Save the American people $138 billion over the next five years
- Prevent more than 300,000 serious injuries and save 1,900 lives by encouraging new car sales
This move by Secretary Duffy is among the largest deregulatory actions under the second Trump Administration.
Here’s what they are saying:
“BIG DAY FOR AMERICAN AUTO WORKERS AND CAR BUYERS! I have just approved new Fuel Economy Standards that TERMINATE Sleepy Joe Biden and Pete Boot-EDGE-EDGE's ridiculous EV Mandate. The Dumocrats cost our Great Auto Manufacturers $Billions, forced Americans into cars they never wanted, and wasted Billions on Chargers that were never built. 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 — Far better than the Environmental Monsters that we were building heretofore. Every Manufacturer, from General Motors to Ford to Stellantis, has called me wanting to build here, and now they can! Under my Administration, over 100 $Billion is being invested in American Autos, and that's just the beginning. The Plants are coming back, and Jobs are returning, to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, and all over our Country. Thank you to our Great Secretaries of Transportation and Commerce, Sean Duffy and Howard Lutnick. AMERICA IS BACK. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Ford CEO Jim Farley:
“We appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Administration's work to align regulations with market realities. As we evaluate the final rule's full impact on our business, we'll continue working with the Administration to build a strong American auto industry.”
GM:
“GM supports the goals of NHTSA’s CAFE rule and its intention to better align fuel economy standards with market realities. We appreciate NHTSA’s recognition of the breadth of offerings present in the U.S. market, including those vehicles with increased capabilities to move families and cargo. We remain committed to offering the best and broadest portfolio of electric and gas-powered vehicles on the market.”
Shane Karr, Senior Vice President, Stellantis North America Public Affairs:
“We welcome the Administration’s efforts to reset the CAFE regulations to more achievable targets that are better aligned with market realities. Stellantis’ strategic plan addresses those realities by putting the customer back at the center of our business. From HEMI engines to all electric, and from Ram trucks to Fiat Topolino microcars, these standards will allow us to offer our customers the freedom to choose from a range of vehicles and powertrains that meet their needs, from brands they love and trust. We are investing heavily in the United States -- a total of more than $13 billion over the next four years that includes new vehicle launches and the creation of thousands of jobs at our plants in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan -- to drive sustainable, profitable growth.”
Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO John Bozzella:
“We’re still reviewing the final rule, but NHTSA made the right call to better align fuel economy standards with the law and current market conditions. The standards finalized under the previous administration effectively required a switchover to electric vehicles that was out of step with market realities and customer demand. Today’s final rule is an appropriate course correction. What the industry needs is long-term regulatory stability that includes balanced, durable and achievable fuel economy standards that continue to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. As we’ve said before: This is the formula for preserving consumer vehicle choice and keeping the U.S. auto industry globally competitive.”
National Automobile Dealers Association:
“NADA commends the Department of Transportation for issuing a fuel efficiency rule that supports consumer choice. The updated standards will yield year-over-year improvements in fuel economy while letting automakers build cars that customers want and can afford.”
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH):
“MASSIVE victory for US consumers who paid a heavy price for Biden’s failed policies. This move, and with the actions of Congressional Republicans to eliminate the ability for California to dictate the cars Americans could buy, will make American cars much more affordable!”
“Another Biden-era EV mandate bites the dust. USDOT is restoring common sense to fuel economy standards and ending costly regulations that drove up the price of new cars. Thanks to President Trump, this move will save $138 BILLION over the next five years and cut the average cost of a new vehicle by $1,300 for American families.”
House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Troy Nehls (TX-22):
“The Biden Administration pushed costly fuel economy mandates that limited Americans’ choices. President Trump is reversing course and giving Americans the freedom to choose the cars and trucks that work for them. Promises made. Promises kept.”
Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-06):
“This is what putting American families FIRST looks like. Lower car prices. More consumer choice. More American manufacturing. Thank you, Secretary Duffy, for getting Washington out of the driver’s seat and putting the American people back in it.”
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