The new rule is projected to save Americans $1,400 over the life of a new vehicle. More importantly, it will reduce collision fatalities by more than 3,300 annually and it will reduce hospitalizations by tens of thousands.
Sensible people should welcome the reforms to the CAFE standards, the big boost it means to the economy, and the safety, savings and choice it means for consumers.
The rules will require U.S. cars to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% per year for the model years 2021 through 2026, compared to a nearly 5% annual increase mandated by the Obama administration in 2012.
In the midst of the fight to save lives from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration announced a regulatory change on another issue that also will save lives.
The Trump administration’s plan to freeze corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards for five years and to revoke California’s power to set its own gas-mileage rules will bring much-needed reform to the antiquated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards.
CFACT Advisor Marita Noon notes that Ford is moving its small car manufacturing to Mexico because it cannot produce these vehicles economically in the United States -- but adds that the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards could be revised next year to alter the economics of small-car manufacturing and allow more Americans to drive vehicles they actually want -- more than likely made in America.