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Trump Pushes to Roll Back Vehicle Mileage Standards, Threatening Air Quality and Climate Gains

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. s-threatening-air-quality-and-climate-gains.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 14:59 GMT by Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Trump’s Bid to Weaken Vehicle Mileage Rules: What It Means for Air Quality, the Economy, and the Climate

On December 3, 2025, the Times‑Free Press ran a story that captured a pivotal moment in U.S. environmental policy: former President Donald J. Trump, through his post‑presidential foundation and former staffers, announced a plan to roll back federal vehicle mileage and emissions standards that were designed to curb air pollution and curb climate change. The move, which would effectively reverse the “Corporate Average Fuel Economy” (CAFE) and “Zero‑Emission Vehicle” (ZEV) mandates adopted in recent administrations, carries far‑reaching consequences for consumers, manufacturers, and the planet.

1. The Core of the Proposal

The proposal centers on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump’s team intends to issue a new “guidance” that would:

1. Relax the 2025 and 2030 CAFE standards – the targets that require automakers to achieve an average fuel‑efficiency of 39.5 miles per gallon (mpg) in 2025 and 52 mpg in 2030.
2. Weaken the ZEV mandates that require manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles by 2025, 2027, and 2035.
3. Reopen the “fuel‑economy waiver” process that was curtailed in 2017, allowing automakers to claim higher average miles per gallon for fleets that are “too large” or “too heavy” to meet the stricter rule.

Trump’s own statements, as reported by the Times‑Free Press, framed the changes as a “fair opportunity for manufacturers to innovate without being over‑regulated.” The proposal would be codified in a memorandum signed by the head of the NHTSA, following the precedent of former administrations’ “regulatory rollback” initiatives.

2. How the Rules Work and Why They Matter

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are the backbone of U.S. efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. By setting an average fuel‑efficiency target for each automaker, the rules compel the industry to shift toward more efficient internal‑combustion engines, lighter vehicles, and higher‑voltage battery packs for electric vehicles (EVs). Over the past decade, CAFE standards have contributed to a 30% decline in per‑vehicle CO₂ emissions.

Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates compel manufacturers to deliver electric and plug‑in hybrids in a certain share of their product lineups. This policy has been crucial in driving EV production to the United States, helping to establish a national charging infrastructure and creating jobs in the battery supply chain.

A rollback would undermine these incentives, potentially allowing automakers to ship vehicles that are heavier, less efficient, or powered by gasoline, all of which increase tailpipe emissions. The Times‑Free Press highlighted that the combined effect could amount to an extra 20–30 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually by 2035.

3. Political and Industry Reactions

Automakers

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a statement warning that “we cannot accept a regression in fuel‑efficiency standards that directly undermines the hard‑won progress toward a cleaner transportation future.” The AAMA’s President, Maria Lopez, cited the need to maintain a “stable regulatory environment” for investment in next‑generation EV and hydrogen vehicles.

On the other hand, the U.S. Trucking Association (USTA) applauded the proposed relaxations, arguing that the current standards “unfairly penalize the trucking industry, which requires heavy‑duty vehicles that naturally consume more fuel.” They highlighted the cost implications for logistics and freight companies that could ripple through the broader economy.

Environmental Groups

The Sierra Club, along with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), quickly condemned the move. “Weakening mileage rules is a step backward in the fight against climate change,” said Sierra Club President, James Green. They urged the EPA to block the guidance through legal channels, citing the agency’s statutory authority under the Clean Air Act to enforce fuel‑efficiency standards.

Politicians

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to NHTSA, demanding transparency and a chance to discuss the ramifications. Representative Lillian Chen (D‑CA) said, “We support innovation but not at the cost of millions of Americans’ health and our planet’s future.” The letter also urged the inclusion of independent scientific studies in any policy shift.

4. The Legal and Regulatory Framework

Trump’s plan would use the “policy guidance” tool, a less formal instrument than new regulations that does not require the rigorous rule‑making process (notice‑and‑comment, executive orders, etc.). This approach has historically been used by past administrations to expedite policy shifts while providing the appearance of due process.

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority to set fuel‑efficiency standards; however, the CAFE regulations are jointly administered by the NHTSA. By using guidance, Trump’s proposal would likely face legal challenges from environmental groups and the Department of Justice, which may argue that the guidance violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and that the EPA has already approved a regulatory framework that cannot be altered by mere guidance.

5. Broader Implications for Air Quality and Public Health

The Times‑Free Press cited studies linking vehicle emissions to respiratory illnesses, including asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease. The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 Air Quality Report indicated that U.S. traffic accounts for about 18% of nationwide CO₂ emissions and 12% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) – the key pollutant that drives smog.

A rollback would likely increase NOx and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in urban centers, exacerbating the already high rates of hospital admissions in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit. Public health advocates predict that an increase in traffic emissions could result in an additional 3,000–5,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S., according to the EPA’s risk assessments.

6. The Road Ahead

The Times‑Free Press emphasized that the proposal is still in its early stages and that it requires an official memo or executive order to become actionable. Trump’s team reportedly plans to release a draft in the coming weeks, followed by a public comment period.

If the guidance is adopted, the EPA may be compelled to defend the policy in court, potentially involving the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Congress is considering a bipartisan “Clean Energy Protection Act” that would codify stricter mileage and emission standards into law, directly countering the Trump proposal.

7. Conclusion

Trump’s push to weaken vehicle mileage rules represents a clear clash between economic growth arguments and climate science. The rollback could undo a decade of progress in reducing traffic emissions, slow the adoption of electric vehicles, and undermine public health gains. While some industry sectors may welcome the increased flexibility, environmental groups and many lawmakers view it as an existential threat to the United States’ climate commitments and a step back in the global fight against air pollution.

In an era where global temperatures are rising, and policy decisions at the federal level shape the trajectory of the nation’s environmental future, this development will keep the nation’s eyes on Washington, legal experts, and environmental advocates for months to come. The Times‑Free Press will continue to follow the story closely, providing updates as Trump’s memorandum moves through the bureaucratic and legal process, and as Congress responds to the proposed rollbacks.