Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, jsmith@calstart.org, (626) 744-5645 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today finalized rules that weaken Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks. The new standards reset baseline average fuel economy targets to levels achieved years ago, walking back meaningful progress on efficiency, consumer savings, and innovation in the U.S. transportation sector.  

In response to this news, Catalyst Mobility’s CEO, Michael Berube, stated: 

Catalyst Mobility CEO Michael Berube

“This is the wrong move at the wrong time. Americans have spent most of 2026 dealing with stubbornly high gas prices, and these changes will lead to lower fuel economy and higher cost for consumers at the pump. These standards have already delivered trillions in fuel savings by yielding substantial increases in efficiency. Weakening them now raises long-term costs for families and businesses while slowing technology that has already been proven in the market. We should be building on that progress, not stepping away from it. 

“To be globally competitive, the U.S. needs to modernize its complex fuel economy and CO2 regulations into a comprehensive approach that sets ambitious but achievable targets for the next decade. This will provide the certainty that industry needs and consumers deserve. 

“We don’t have to choose between affordability and efficiency; industry has successfully delivered on both when the rules are clear, timelines are reasonable, and standards are appropriately ambitious. The path forward is clear: set standards that reward real progress, give the industry consistent signals, and let competition drive better, more competitive products. That’s the practical way to serve consumers and strengthen the U.S. transportation sector at the same time.” 

Background 

The CAFE program was established by Congress through the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975. Administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the program establishes fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks. 

The final rule revises CAFE standards for model years 2022–2026 and 2027–2031. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the new footprint-based standards will correspond to an industry-wide average of approximately 34.9 miles per gallon in model year 2031, compared with approximately 50 miles per gallon under the standards they replace. Actual fleetwide fuel economy will vary based on the size and mix of vehicles manufacturers produce. 

About Catalyst Mobility 

Catalyst Mobility, formed through the combination of CALSTART and Forth, is a global nonprofit advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation for people and goods. We bring together industry, government, and communities to overcome barriers, accelerate innovation, shape policy, and move proven solutions into widespread use — delivering cleaner air, reducing climate pollution, and expanding economic opportunity. Learn more at catalystmobility.org.