Under Trump, the US transportation authority has reduced fuel consumption limits for new cars, with implications for both consumers and the environment. In response, 26 US states, counties, and major cities have joined forces and filed a lawsuit. We explore the legal basis and implications of the lawsuit.

The Trump administration has revised US national fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles, a move that affects not only the automotive and environmental sectors but also consumers. Specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has lowered the target for the average fleet fuel consumption of new passenger cars and light-duty vehicles by 2031 – from the original 50.4 miles per gallon (approx. 21.4 km/l or 4.67 l/100 km) to 34.9 miles per gallon (approx. 14.8 km/l or 6.74 l/100 km).

While the US Department of Transportation, under the leadership of Sean Duffy, argues that the changes aim to enable manufacturers to produce more affordable vehicles and thus ease financial pressure on consumers, the overall calculation reveals a double burden for both consumers and the environment.

The agency estimates that average manufacturing costs per vehicle could decrease by around $1,289 US dollars (approx. €1,150 euros), potentially leading to lower retail prices. However, at the fuel pump, the effect quickly reverses. Due to the higher permitted fuel consumption under the new regulations, drivers’ fuel costs over a vehicle’s lifetime are expected to increase by an average of more than $1,600 US dollars (approx. €1,430 euros). According to projections, US drivers will collectively miss out on nearly $220 billion US dollars (approx.

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