ICYMI: Senator Markey Calls for a Restoration of Fuel Economy Standards That Save Americans Money at the Pump

Washington (May 13, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today hosted a press conference calling on the Trump administration to end its proposed rule to roll back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which save money for drivers and reduce oil consumption. Senator Markey was joined by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), the National Consumers League, Moms Clean Air Force, and a local business owner feeling the pain of high gas prices caused by Trump's expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary war with Iran. President Trump's war of choice in Iran has caused gas prices to spike by more than $1.50 in just over two months. Senator Markey also called on car manufacturers to voluntarily recognize previous, more stringent fuel economy standards amidst the ongoing fuel cost crisis.

"With one hand, Donald Trump is rolling back the very standards that keep our vehicles leaner, cleaner, and cheaper, and with the other hand he is driving up gas prices," said Senator Markey. "That's like a doctor who makes you sick, withholds the cure, and sends you a bill for both. I am calling on the administration to withdraw their proposed rule to roll back these standards in light of the energy emergency they single-handedly created."

"Costs are low when fuel economy standards are high," said Daniel Greene, the Senior Director of Product Safety & Consumer Protection at the National Consumers League. "But in the midst of sky-high gasoline prices and a deepening affordability crisis, the Trump administration response is to weaken federal fuel economy standards. That's like pouring gasoline onto an open fire - gasoline that costs $4.50 a gallon. The National Consumers League urges the Trump administration to halt its assault on affordability and preserve robust fuel economy standards."

"As an African American mother, grandmother, and one of the millions of people who drive a car, I have a simple message to the Trump administration: stop putting American families' health last. Improved fuel economy standards save us money-and save lives too. Tailpipe pollution is a major threat to children's health and is known to damage our lungs, hearts, and brains. Our children and families deserve better," said Almeta Cooper, National Manager for Health Justice for Moms Clean Air Force.

In February, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) led 78 lawmakers in a letter to the Administration calling on it to withdraw its proposed rollback of fuel economy standards. Last month, Senator Markey introduced his No Big Fossil Bailouts on Your Power Bill Act as a response to the Trump administration's abuse of energy emergency powers to force power plants to continue operating beyond their planned retirement dates, causing bills to soar and pollution to surge as a result. Senator Markey has been a fuel economy champion since the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 included fuel economy language co-authored by then-Rep. Markey to push for more protective standards.

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