Former reality TV contestant Sean Duffy, who was appointed as Secretary of Transportation, has finalized a rule that will make cars less efficient, costing Americans an extra $23 billion in fuel costs. The rule targets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard (CAFE), which was improved last year by President Biden’s Department of Transportation, saving American drivers billions in fuel costs.
Sierra Club’s Transportation for All director, Katherine Garcia, criticized the new rule, stating that it will increase costs for Americans and harm communities in various ways. The rule, filed as “not economically significant,” contradicts the DOT’s own analysis, which estimates a $23 billion cost to Americans.
Duffy’s memo also outlines plans to target all similar standards, potentially increasing fuel costs even further. Consumer Reports data shows that maintaining current standards could result in significant savings for Americans, while removing these standards could lead to higher costs. Increased fuel usage may also result in more reliance on foreign energy sources, leading to higher prices and potential economic vulnerabilities.
The DOT’s push for lower fuel economy standards goes against the trend of transitioning to electric vehicles, which are already displacing oil demand and supporting local energy generation. The administration’s focus on deregulation and pro-polluter policies could have negative impacts on American manufacturing, clean air laws, and climate change efforts.
Businesses, particularly automakers, prefer regulatory certainty to plan for the future, and the back-and-forth changes in regulations under different administrations can disrupt long-term planning. Maintaining Biden’s emissions rules is crucial for automakers planning new models for the EV transition.
Overall, the DOT’s final rule is expected to increase emissions, harm health, and contribute to climate change. The administration’s lack of understanding of climate science and its focus on undoing environmental protections could have severe economic and health consequences for Americans. The push for higher fuel costs and reliance on fossil fuels may lead to a less stable and secure future for the country.
In conclusion, the administration’s policies could make life costlier, less healthy, and more vulnerable to foreign influence. The impacts of these policies will be felt by real people, not just on reality TV screens. It is essential for Americans to consider sustainable alternatives, such as charging electric vehicles with rooftop solar panels, to reduce fuel costs and contribute to a cleaner, more resilient future.
