It doesn’t take into account the costs of increased emissions, the social costs of carbon, or the costs of increased oil consumption. All of these factors would only serve to worsen the economic impacts of rolling back these standards. In short, this proposal is bad science that will lead to bad outcomes.
#3: The administration is ignoring the overwhelming public support for strong fuel economy standards
While the administration is pushing this proposal as a boon for consumers, the reality is that the vast majority of Americans support strong fuel economy standards. In fact, a recent poll conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that 77% of Americans support strong fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, with 68% saying they would pay more for a vehicle that emitted less pollution and used less gas.
Despite this overwhelming public support, the administration is pushing ahead with this proposal, which will only serve to benefit the auto industry and oil companies at the expense of consumers and the environment. It’s clear that the administration is more interested in lining the pockets of their corporate allies than in listening to the will of the American people.
#4: The proposal will lead to increased emissions and worsen climate change
One of the most troubling aspects of this proposal is the fact that rolling back fuel economy standards will lead to increased emissions and worsen climate change. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and strong fuel economy standards are a key tool in reducing these emissions.
By effectively eliminating fuel economy standards, the administration is sending a signal to automakers that they no longer need to prioritize fuel efficiency, which will result in more emissions being released into the atmosphere. This will only serve to exacerbate the impacts of climate change, leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other catastrophic consequences.
It’s clear that this proposal is a step in the wrong direction when it comes to addressing climate change, and it will only serve to make the problem worse in the long run.
#5: The proposal will stifle innovation and hurt American competitiveness
Strong fuel economy standards have long been a driver of innovation in the auto industry, leading to the development of new technologies and more fuel-efficient vehicles. By rolling back these standards, the administration is effectively stifling innovation and preventing automakers from pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of fuel efficiency.
This will not only hurt American competitiveness in the global market but will also prevent the U.S. from leading the way in the transition to a clean energy economy. Other countries, such as China and European nations, are investing heavily in clean energy technologies and are setting strong fuel economy standards for vehicles. By rolling back these standards, the U.S. risks falling behind in the race to develop the technologies of the future.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s proposal to effectively eliminate fuel economy standards for cars and trucks is a short-sighted policy that will only benefit the auto industry and oil companies at the expense of consumers, the environment, and American competitiveness. It’s clear that this proposal is not in the best interests of the American people, and it should be rejected in favor of policies that promote innovation, protect the environment, and address the urgent threat of climate change.
By setting strong fuel economy standards, we not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change, but we also save consumers money at the pump. The Trump administration’s proposal to weaken these standards is a step backward in every sense of the word.
The administration’s justification for weakening fuel economy standards is thin at best. Ignoring the success of previous standards set by the same administration shows a lack of consistency and logic in policymaking. By rolling back these standards, the administration is essentially admitting that they are willing to sacrifice progress for the sake of appeasing oil companies.
Furthermore, the exclusion of electric vehicles from the calculation of fuel economy standards is a glaring oversight. Electric vehicles are one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, yet the administration chooses to ignore their impact. This decision not only distorts the true picture of fuel efficiency but also goes against the intent of Congress to promote energy-efficient vehicles.
Perhaps the most egregious aspect of the proposed CAFE rule is that the final standard in 2031 is weaker than what was already achieved in 2024. This means that consumers will be forced to pay more at the pump for less efficient vehicles, despite the majority of Americans supporting stronger fuel economy standards.
In conclusion, setting strong fuel economy standards is not only beneficial for the environment and public health but also for consumers’ wallets. The Trump administration’s proposal to weaken these standards is a shortsighted and harmful decision that will only serve to benefit oil companies at the expense of the American people. It is imperative that we continue to push for stronger fuel economy standards to ensure a more sustainable and affordable transportation future for all. Fuel economy standards have been a crucial policy that has saved families around $5 trillion at the pump since their inception. These standards have played a significant role in cutting costs for families who are constantly facing concerns about affordability and the rising costs of basic needs like housing and transportation.
It is evident that fuel economy standards work effectively in reducing costs for families. However, the current administration is attempting to roll back these standards using flawed calculations, which would ultimately transfer money from hardworking families to the oil and automotive industries. This move is not only unjust but also detrimental to the financial well-being of many households.
It is essential to oppose this rollback and advocate for the preservation of fuel economy standards. By doing so, we can continue to support families in saving money on fuel expenses and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. Let us stand together to protect this necessary policy and ensure that families can continue to benefit from the savings it provides.
