New cars and trucks are about to get a lot more fuel-efficient.
On April 1, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration restored federal Clean Car Standards, raising the average fuel economy from 37 to 49 miles per gallon by model year 2026. The rule will also drive innovation toward zero-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs).
“Fuel economy standards have thrust the auto industry forward over the past 50 years, ensuring our cars pollute less and go farther on each gallon of gasoline,” said Environment America Destination: Zero Carbon Director Morgan Folger. “As the market shifts to zero-emission electric vehicles, these rules are essential to make sure every fossil fuel-powered vehicle that remains is having as little impact on our warming climate as possible.”
Since 1990, the staff and members of Environment America and our national network have won Clean Car standards in more than a dozen states, setting the stage for federal action.
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Photo: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Lisa Frank, executive director of Environment America’s Washington, D.C., office, celebrate restored federal Clean Car standards. Credit: Staff