The Trump administration is preparing to reverse a last-minute Obama administration decision to keep in place regulations to increase fuel economy for new cars to the equivalent of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
A source told InsideEPA “action on the mid-term review” is expected for “next week, essentially to put the EPA back on the original schedule.”
The decision will reopen a mid-term review of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Transportation Department (DOT) fuel economy standards meant to tackle global warming.
The Obama administration released its determination to keep the fuel economy mandate ahead of schedule, surprising the auto industry and sparking criticism from the right. EPA issued its decision on Jan. 13, days before the Senate held a confirmation hearing for Elaine Chao, the future transportation secretary.