(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes today released the following statements regarding a proposal announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to roll back federal fuel economy standards, which have been supported by federal administrations from both parties since 1975 and have helped Americans use less gas:
Governor Lamont said, “At a time when American consumers are already struggling with high costs, this action by the federal administration will hit consumers in the wallet, resulting in cars that are less fuel efficient and more trips to the gas station. Fuel economy standards have been supported on a bipartisan basis for decades because they’re a win-win for the consumer and for our air quality.”
Commissioner Dykes said, “Over the past 15 years, the federal fuel economy standards have saved the average household $630 to $840 each year. In addition to increasing expenses on gas, the roll back will have other harmful impacts, including increased air pollution. Connecticut already faces high levels of air pollution from cars and trucks, which contribute to negative health outcomes for people with respiratory illnesses, particularly those in sensitive groups, such as children and older adults.”
There are more than 2.7 million vehicles registered in Connecticut. Cars and trucks account for almost 70% of smog-forming emissions in Connecticut and almost 35% of its climate pollution. Air quality in Connecticut exceeded the federal health-based standards for ozone (smog) on 23 days in 2024 and 22 days in 2025. Individuals in sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions who are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution are at an increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms and may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk of experiencing these symptoms. People experiencing severe symptoms are more likely to miss work or school and seek medical treatment.
In 2024, the NHTSA stated that its improved fuel economy standards would reduce fuel costs by $23 billion with net benefits at about $35 billion for drivers.