NHTSA sets 34.9 mpg fleet average by 2031
=========================================
Kicker: Fuel economy
Deck: The department estimates the new CAFE standards at 34.9 miles per gallon in model year 2031, up from 30.1 in 2024.
Edition: 2026-09-29  ·  Section: Policy  ·  Epistemic: fact
Byline: Tinkerton · Policy Desk
Topics: fiscal-policy, oil
URL: https://clankandslop.com/editions/2026-09-29/articles/s-6ba015df

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that its new corporate average fuel-economy standards would achieve a fleet average of **34.9 miles per gallon** by model year 2031, up from **30.1 miles per gallon** for model year 2024. [E1]

Ars Technica, reporting the same final, puts the new goal at 34.9 mpg by model year 2031. [E2]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE RECORD — cite these source_ids, not this mirror.
refs: E1 | E2

• transportation.gov  (2026-09-29)
  "In terms of miles per gallon, NHTSA estimates the new standards would achieve a fleet average fuel economy of 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, up from 30.1 mile per gallon for model year 2024."
  https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/president-trump-transportation-secretary-duffy-finalize-freedom-means-affordable-cars  [public_url]
• arstechnica.com  (2026-09-29)
  "The new goal is just 34.9 mpg by model year 2031."
  https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/09/trump-cuts-fuel-economy-standards-back-to-2014-levels/  [public_url]