Trump Undermines US Fuel Standards, Labels Them ‘Green New Scam’
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a significant rollback of fuel-economy standards in the United States, a move that contrasts sharply with global trends towards cleaner energy. This decision is expected to deepen the environmental divide between the US and countries like China and India, which are rapidly advancing in electric mobility and renewable energy.
Changes to US Fuel Standards
The administration has revised the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets, reducing the requirement from 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2031 to just 34.5 mpg. This marks a return to levels last seen in 2022. Experts argue that this substantial rollback effectively transfers much of the global responsibility for decarbonization onto other nations.
The decision extends the previous Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, which had already diminished the efficiency goals set during the Obama administration from approximately 5% annually to just 1.5%.
Impact on Global Climate Efforts
Analysts warn that relaxing these standards will lead to greater petroleum dependence in the US over the next decade. This shift could result in billions more barrels of oil being consumed and hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide emitted, undermining global climate goals.
- China: In 2024, China sold over 11 million electric vehicles, marking a 40% increase from the previous year.
- India: India is set to double its renewable capacity to approximately 360–380 GW by 2030.
Despite Trump framing the rollback as beneficial for workers and consumers, critics highlight that it prioritizes short-term economic benefits over long-term environmental sustainability. Auto industry representatives supported this change, arguing that it reduces compliance costs and allows for more affordable fuel-powered vehicles.
Geopolitical Reactions to the Rollback
The decision has drawn criticism not only from environmental advocates but also from various US states. For instance, Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell described the move as “short-sighted,” suggesting it may worsen pollution and hinder job growth in clean technology.
- China’s Clean Energy Leadership: The country added 510 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2024 alone.
- India’s Fast-Paced Growth: With 2 million electric vehicles sold in 2024, India’s clean energy sector is rapidly expanding.
The global perception is that the United States is now opting for climate indulgence by neglecting critical climate action, thereby shifting the responsibility for emissions reductions onto developing countries. This strategic abandonment is likely to exacerbate existing challenges for nations striving to balance economic growth with severe pollution problems.
Conclusion
Trump’s dismissal of stringent climate commitments under the “Green New Scam” stands in stark contrast to the increasing commitments by countries like China and India towards renewable energy. As global momentum shifts towards cleaner technologies, the ramifications of the US decision may resonate for years to come, highlighting the divide in international climate efforts.
