New rules announced by the Biden administration will require new vehicles sold in the U.S. to have an average mileage of about 38 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2031. This is higher than the current average of about 29 mpg. The new rules will gradually increase fuel economy for different types of vehicles over the next few years. Passenger cars will increase by 2% per year from 2027 to 2031, while SUVs and light trucks will increase by 2% per year from 2029 to 2031.
These requirements are not as strict as originally proposed, giving carmakers more flexibility to focus on electric vehicles. The Biden administration believes that stricter rules would have cost consumers more without significant fuel savings.
President Biden aims for half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 to be electric. This is part of his effort to combat climate change, as gasoline-powered vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The new standards are expected to save almost 70 billion gallons of gasoline by 2050, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the benefits of the new rules, stating that they will save car owners money on gas and reduce harmful pollution.
The rules align with recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that tighten standards for tailpipe emissions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for setting fuel economy requirements, which are reflected in real-world driving conditions. However, the actual mileage may be lower due to factors like wind resistance and hills.
While some industry groups see the new rules as a step in the right direction, environmental advocates criticize them for not going far enough. They argue that the rules should aim for the maximum possible fuel efficiency to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
