US finalizes lower fuel economy targets for automakers

The US Department of Transportation finalized a rule setting a fleet average fuel economy target of 34.9 miles per gallon for model year 2031, replacing a Biden-era target of 50.4 miles per gallon. The change lowers the efficiency standard automakers must meet across their vehicle fleets. The Trump administration says the rule will reduce the average price of a new vehicle by $1,300 and save $138 billion over five years, though those estimates are disputed. Consumer and health groups argue that weaker standards will raise fuel spending and air pollution.