Trump’s fuel efficiency rules do not doom climate goals

Consumers are buying more environmentally friendly cars, thanks to market forces.

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Editorials

October 2, 2026 - 9:59 PM

A vehicle by Rivian Automotives, the maker of all-electric SUVs and pickup trucks, charging outside the company's service center in Mira Mesa in January 2024. (Rob Nikolewski/San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS) Photo by (Rob Nikolewski/San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

The Trump administration’s reduction of fuel efficiency standards this week is a win for consumers over heavy-handed government dictates designed to cajole the auto industry into producing electric vehicles, which are costlier, on average, than gas-powered autos. At the same time, anyone who thinks this spells doom for the transition to more environmentally friendly cars is mistaken.

The new…

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