Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Friday, Dec. 5. TGIF!
This week, President Donald Trump's administration proposed loosening federal fuel economy standards, giving automakers a reprieve from stringent emissions rules, and prompting some analysts and environmental organizations to say the change could mean the return of the gas-guzzler.
As Molly Boigon reports, Trump and Department of Transportation officials said automakers might now be required to meet an average of 34.5 mpg across 2031 model-year vehicles, a marked slackening of Biden-era rules that require an average of 50.4 mpg across those vehicles.
The proposed rules would also reclassify crossovers and small SUVs as passenger cars instead of light trucks.
"People were brainwashed. This is a green new scam, and people were paying too much for a car that didn't work as well," said Trump during a Dec. 3 press conference. "All of the nonsense is being taken out of the cars."
"Today is a victory for common sense and affordability," Ford CEO Jim Farley said during comments at the press conference. "We believe that people should be able to make a choice, as you said, Mr. President, and we will invest more in affordable vehicles."
As you might have guessed, environmental groups criticized the announcement.
"Americans support strong fuel economy standards," Will Anderson, a zero emissions vehicle policy advocate, said on Public Citizen's Climate Program, "with 96 percent of American drivers saying that fuel economy is at least somewhat important to them when considering what vehicle to purchase or lease, and two-thirds saying that fuel economy is very important or extremely important. This is another Trump shell game that shuffles money to Trump's oil and gas cronies at the expense of Americans' wallets, health and air quality."
What happens now?
After the government publishes the proposal in the Federal Register, stakeholders will be able to submit comments for 45 days. NHTSA also said it will hold a public hearing at a date to be announced.
That's all for now. Enjoy your weekend. If you want to view this story on your browser, click here.
— Wes Raynal, assistant web editor
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