The Real Cost of Weaker Fuel-Economy Rules

06 Feb 2026 | Abstracted from The Drive

Automakers and oil companies, supported by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation endorsed weaker fuel‑economy rules because they cut compliance costs and boost gasoline demand. The public pays more for fuel as efficiency stalls to tune of $185 billion by 20250. Dirtier, less‑efficient vehicles stay on the road longer, increasing air pollution and locking in higher emissions while industry profits and consumers absorb the long‑term costs.

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