A former U.S. transportation secretary warns that rolling back fuel-economy standards could increase expenses for drivers over time while putting American automakers at a competitive disadvantage against Chinese manufacturers. The policy shift, critics argue, may undermine long-term efficiency gains and hinder innovation in the automotive industry. Concerns are raised about whether weaker regulations will accelerate dependence on foreign production or delay the transition to cleaner vehicles. The debate highlights tensions between short-term regulatory flexibility and the potential economic and environmental consequences of reduced fuel efficiency requirements.
The former transportation secretary says weaker fuel-economy standards could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China.
