Environmental Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Fuel Economy Rollbacks

A coalition of environmental organizations filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals on Friday, suing the Donald Trump administration over the relaxation of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The administration lowered the industry fleetwide average for passenger cars and light trucks for the 2031 model year to approximately 34.9 miles per gallon, a sharp decrease from the 50.4 miles per gallon projected under the Biden administration.

The lawsuit was filed by the Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Public Citizen. These organizations allege the rollback prioritizes corporate profits over public health and consumer costs, arguing that the move will increase pollution and gas consumption during a period of historic fuel price highs.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the policy, stating it removes an "illegal mandate" that forced automakers to produce expensive electric vehicles. Duffy argued the change increases consumer choice and makes affordable cars more accessible to American families. The policy shift occurred as the administration negotiated with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz amid soaring global energy prices.