President Trump ordered a rollback of fuel economy standards that reduce consumer choice and raise car prices. He is keeping consumer choice in the equation.
According to USA Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a Sept. 28 press release that it is moving to lower the required fleetwide average fuel economy for cars from more than 50 miles per gallon by 2031 to just under 35 miles per gallon.
The fuel economy rollback, dubbed “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” by the Trump administration, comes as the average price of gas in the U.S. reached $4.47 on Monday, Sept. 28, according to AAA.
That’s up from an average of $4.08 a month ago, on August 28, and $3.13 a year ago, on Sept. 28, 2025.
Trump administration officials said lowering fuel economy requirements for carmakers would make cars cheaper in the long run by about $1,300 on average.
The media is focused on the price of gas, not the increase in consumer choice. People can have cars more efficient than 35 MPG and still have that choice. A 2030 deadline eliminates almost all choice. It’s America; we need freedom and choice.
