Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Clean Car Standards for Fuel Economy

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed new standards that will improve the gas mileage of cars and cut climate and air pollution from gas vehicles. Fuel economy standards from NHTSA are different from but complementary to the emission standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets standards that make vehicles in the US less polluting.

Increasing the fuel economy of vehicles is extremely popular with consumers. A 2022 Consumer Reports survey found that 95 percent of Americans say fuel economy is important to them when considering their next vehicle, and seven in ten say it is “very important” or “extremely important.”

In response to NHTSA’s proposal, Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine Garcia released the following statement:

“We are pleased that NHTSA is moving forward with new fuel economy standards that will improve gas mileage and reduce our dependence on oil while driving down vehicle pollution and improving public health. All Americans, and particularly low-income drivers, are burdened with volatile gas prices. Cleaner cars are good for our lungs, our climate, and our wallets.

"An overwhelming majority of Americans want fuel-efficient cars. This proposed standard is achievable and will help automakers deliver what consumers are asking for. 

This proposal–alongside the EPA’s proposal to reduce emissions from vehicles – are key tools to addressing the nation’s top source of pollution. We look forward to engaging in the rulemaking process and urge NHTSA to swiftly finalize the strongest possible standard.”