Trump rolls back Obama-era vehicle mileage standards

The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era vehicle mileage standards Tuesday, raising the ceiling on fossil fuel emissions for years to come.

The Trump administration released a final rule Tuesday on mileage standards through 2026. The change cuts the Obama mileage standard that would have encouraged automakers to ramp up production of electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient gas and diesel vehicles.

“We are delivering on President Trump’s promise to correct the current fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards,” Andrew Wheeler, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement Tuesday marking the release.

He said the final rule “puts in place a sensible” national program that “strikes the right regulatory balance that protects our environment, and sets reasonable targets for the auto industry. This rule supports our economy, and the safety of American families.”

Opponents contend the change appears driven by Trump’s push to undo regulatory initiatives of former President Barack Obama.

The Trump administration says the looser mileage standards will allow consumers to keep buying the less fuel-efficient SUVs that U.S. drivers have favored for years

Opponents say it will kill several hundred more Americans a year through dirtier air.

Even “given the catastrophe they’re in with the coronavirus, they’re pursuing a policy that’s going to hurt public health and kill people,” said Chet France, a former 39-year veteran of the EPA, where he served as a senior official over emissions and mileage standards.

“This is the first time that an administration has pursued a policy that will net negative benefit for society and reduce fuel savings,” France said.

Trump’s Cabinet heads have continued a push to roll back public health and environment regulations despite the coronavirus outbreak riveting the world’s attention.

The administration — like others before it — is facing procedural rules that will make changes adopted before the last six months of Trump’s current term tougher to throw out, even if the White House changes occupants.

DAMIAN DOVARGANES / AP 2018 Opponents of the administration’s rolling back of vehicle mileage standards say it will make the air dirtier and endanger lives.