Democrat Pete Buttigieg criticizes Trump's rollback of fuel

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Published: 2026-09-29T15:12:06.071Z • Permanent link

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has publicly criticized President Donald Trump's rollback of fuel-economy standards, citing concerns that the move could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China. The rollback, which was announced in June 2019, relaxed fuel-economy standards for vehicles through 2026, allowing automakers to increase emissions and reduce fuel efficiency. Buttigieg, who served as Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2022, has been a vocal advocate for stricter fuel-economy standards and has expressed concerns that the rollback could have negative consequences for the environment and public health.

The rollback was announced by the Trump administration in June 2019, just days before the start of the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The move was seen as a major victory for the automotive industry, which had lobbied for the relaxation of fuel-economy standards. However, environmental groups and some lawmakers quickly criticized the move, arguing that it would lead to increased emissions and air pollution. Buttigieg was one of the most prominent critics of the rollback, and his comments reflect his ongoing commitment to environmental and public health issues.

The decision to relax fuel-economy standards was widely seen as a victory for the automotive industry, but it has also been criticized for its potential impact on the environment. According to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the rollback could lead to an increase of up to 1.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2030, equivalent to the annual emissions of around 300 million cars. Buttigieg has argued that stricter fuel-economy standards are necessary to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation options.

The rollback of fuel-economy standards has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly for companies that produce electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. Many research communities and policymakers have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the rollback on the transition to cleaner transportation options. For example, a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that the rollback could lead to a significant delay in the adoption of electric vehicles in the United States, with potential consequences for air quality and public health.

The rollback also has implications for markets and policy environments. The automotive industry is a significant player in many countries, and changes to fuel-economy standards can have far-reaching consequences for the industry and the broader economy. For example, a study by the Center for American Progress found that the rollback could lead to job losses and economic disruption in the automotive sector, particularly in regions where the industry is a significant employer. Policymakers and industry leaders will need to carefully consider the potential impacts of the rollback and work to find solutions that balance economic and environmental concerns.

The rollback of fuel-economy standards is part of a larger pattern of deregulation and environmental rollbacks under the Trump administration. In recent years, the administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including the Clean Power Plan and the Stream Protection Rule. These moves have been widely criticized by environmental groups and some lawmakers, who argue that they will have negative consequences for public health and the environment. The rollback of fuel-economy standards is also part of a broader debate about the role of government in regulating the automotive industry and promoting cleaner transportation options.