A coalition of 27 states, counties, and cities filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Trump administration over its rollback of federal vehicle fuel economy standards. The legal challenge, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, marks one of at least three lawsuits filed this week targeting the new rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The revised standards require automakers to achieve a fleetwide average of 34.9 miles per gallon by 2031, down from the 50.4 mpg projected under Biden-era rules. The Trump administration has framed the change as a boost to the domestic auto industry and a cost-saving measure for consumers, estimating it will lower the average upfront cost of new vehicles by $1,300 and reduce annual oil consumption.
Legal and Climate Implications
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Massachusetts, argues that the NHTSA failed to meet a congressional mandate requiring corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to be set at the "maximum feasible" level. California and its allies contend the new rules ignore available technology and energy conservation needs, instead rolling back standards below 2021 fleet averages. "The benefits of helping consumers save money at the pump and reducing harmful pollution are being ignored," Bonta stated.
Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, Public Citizen, and the Center for Biological Diversity, also filed a separate lawsuit on Friday, alleging the rollback will increase gasoline consumption, raise fuel prices, and exacerbate vehicle emissions. The groups argue the rule change prioritizes short-term cost savings over long-term climate goals and consumer choice.
Administration and Industry Response
The Department of Transportation defended the revised standards, asserting they provide automakers with greater flexibility in vehicle production and reduce regulatory burdens. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the Biden administration’s previous mandate, calling it an "illegal" requirement that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles. The administration has framed the rollback as a response to economic pressures, including elevated fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions.
Economic and Environmental Context
The legal challenges coincide with elevated gasoline prices, with California averaging $6.40 per gallon on Friday, compared to $4.65 one year ago, according to AAA. Proponents of the rollback argue that lower fuel economy standards will ease financial strain on consumers, while critics warn of increased emissions and climate impacts. The Biden administration had previously set a target of 50.4 mpg by 2031, citing climate change mitigation and consumer savings as key priorities.
The lawsuits underscore a broader political and legal divide over environmental regulation, with states and advocacy groups seeking to block the Trump administration’s policy changes through judicial and administrative channels.