A group of 26 state attorneys general, led by West Virginia and Kentucky, have filed a challenge to the Biden administration’s new fuel economy rules. They argue that the requirements are unworkable and would force automakers to build more electric vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized tighter vehicle fuel economy rules through 2031 on June 7, which were less stringent than initially proposed.
The NHTSA announced that it would increase corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) requirements to around 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2031, up from the current 39.1 mpg. While this new requirement is only slightly higher than the previous target of 49 mpg for 2026, the state attorneys general believe that it will be burdensome for automakers and may not be achievable in a practical manner.
This dispute between the state attorneys general and the Biden administration highlights ongoing debate over environmental regulations and the promotion of electric vehicles in the United States. The outcome of this challenge could impact the future of fuel economy standards and the auto industry as a whole. As legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to concerns raised by states.
