The Transportation Department has finalized a rollback of fuel efficiency standards, requiring automakers to average 34.9 miles per gallon for new cars and light trucks by 2031. That replaces the 50.4 mpg standard set during the Biden administration. President Trump has said the change will save consumers money, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's own analysis finds the opposite: drivers of new cars will pay an average of $1,624 more for gas over the vehicle's lifetime, which outweighs any savings on the purchase price.
Higher fuel costs come as Americans already face painful prices at the pump. The national average for unleaded gas is around $4.40 per gallon, up about 40% from a year ago, amid the ongoing war with Iran. Transportation is the second-largest household expense after housing, so the added burden is significant. The article notes this is one of several administration policies—including attacks on renewables and tariffs—that are raising the cost of living.
Meanwhile, much of the world is accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, with a record 28% of new cars sold globally this year expected to be battery-powered, according to the International Energy Agency. The U.S. lacks both supportive federal policies and cheap imports, making EVs more expensive than in other countries. Some states are stepping in: California launched a $3,500 rebate for first-time EV buyers, and several other states offer their own incentives. But the federal rollback, the article argues, leaves American drivers more exposed to volatile gas prices. (Source: Canary Media, 2 October 2026.)