Former President Donald Trump just released such a plan, riddled with troubling premises. His “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” proposal would roll back fuel efficiency standards for cars. This proposal would help make clean, connected, and efficient new vehicles more affordable to American consumers while increasing American-based manufacturing capacity. Instead of the previous proposal’s fuel efficiency standard for cars of 37 mpg, the new proposal sets that standard at 34.5 mpg. That’s a big drop from the prior administration’s target of 50.4 mpg.
Trump’s initiative seeks to make new cars up to $1,000 cheaper, appealing to consumers who have faced rising vehicle prices in recent years. The previous administration asserted that this change would increase U.S. automotive production. He promised it would provide consumers “greater freedom of choice.” The administration’s proposal has generated an unusual level of alarm among leading experts and environmental advocates. They are concerned about its far-reaching impacts on protecting public health and the potential for increased air pollution.
Economic Implications of Lower Standards
The possible economic gains from Trump’s $1 trillion in infrastructure investment are huge. By rolling back fuel efficiency standards, big auto would get a $35 billion technology cost break through 2031. This reduction in expenses could translate into “lower costs and higher profit margins for auto companies and lower prices for consumers,” according to Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst.
That makes this move all the more important. The current U.S. market is extremely tilted toward bigger, more profitable vehicles, especially SUVs and pickup trucks. Consumers are still gravitating toward these new options for their long-distance travel needs. This wise proposal would do more than address strong market demand, it would help attract car manufacturers hoping to alleviate burdens from car manufacturers.
“Regulatory requirements do not get ahead of the consumer,” – Mary Barra
Though cost savings for manufacturers are expected, experts warn that rolling back fuel standards may be detrimental in the long run. Dan Becker, a prominent advocate for environmental regulations, noted that “buying gas-guzzling cars will cost consumers more money” in the long run due to higher fuel costs and a less sustainable vehicle market.
Public Health Concerns
In response to the proposal, environmental and public health advocates have called the administration’s rollback of fuel efficiency and emissions standards an affront to public health. William Barrett, an environmental advocate, pointed out that this change “turns back the clock on public health standards.” The transportation sector is the biggest contributor to air pollution in the whole United States. Increased vehicle emissions are making life-or-death impacts on our most vulnerable populations, including our children.
“Children are more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. Increased pollution could have an immediate and lasting effect on them, such as keeping them on the sidelines of a soccer game or increasing ER visits.” – William Barrett
Environmentalists are sounding alarms that more efficient vehicles only increase air pollution. This increase in pollution can lead to more severe respiratory and other health impacts for children. Our nation continues to suffer from major public health crises. Regrettably, critics fear that this shocking proposal will have a chilling effect on improving our air quality and protecting future generations.
The Shift Towards Cleaner Technologies
Trump’s proposal includes rollback of regulatory burdens for dirty traditional internal combustion engines. Experts caution that this strategy will ultimately delay the manufacture of cleaner technologies. Nikki Reisch, an environmental policy expert, highlighted that “gas-powered cars can’t compete with EVs and hybrids in terms of fuel efficiency. These cleaner, more efficient technologies exist and cannot simply be ignored.”
Karl Brauer echoed this sentiment, suggesting that “continuing with such regulation will have diminishing returns.” He continued, making clear that if the automotive industry is to succeed, they must meet new market conditions and consumer demand for cleaner cars. EVs and hybrids are flying off the dealer lots. If legacy car companies don’t put their chips on these technologies, they are jeopardizing their future in an increasingly competitive space.
We know that the automotive landscape is changing at an unprecedented pace, and we’re glad that most industry leaders understand that putting consumers first doesn’t mean ignoring environmental imperatives. Andrew Hoffman, a business strategist, posited that “the government can assist markets in this transition,” advocating for policies that promote innovation while ensuring consumer protection.
