Transportation chief seeks to weaken fuel economy standards, calls Biden-era rule ‘illegal’
June 6, 2025
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says Biden-era fuel economy standards for gas-guzzling cars and trucks are illegal and moved to reverse the rules. He said Friday that the previous administration “ignored statutory requirements” that barred consideration of electric vehicles when setting standards. Experts say a revised fuel economy rule is likely to lead to increased tailpipe pollution and higher prices for consumers at the pump. Meanwhile, Senate negotiations over a massive budget bill include language that would remove fines penalizing automakers that don’t meet federal fuel economy standards. The two moves together could slow the country’s demand for electric vehicles.
