Lamont: Fuel Economy Rollback Could Raise Costs And Worsen Connecticut Air Pollution

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes on Thursday criticized a federal proposal to roll back national fuel economy standards, saying the change would increase costs for drivers and worsen air quality in a state already struggling with pollution.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the proposal to ease requirements that have guided vehicle fuel efficiency since 1975. Lamont said the reversal would leave residents paying more at the pump at a time when households are already facing high expenses.

“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,” Lamont said. “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.”

Dykes said the current standards have saved the average household between $630 and $840 annually over the past 15 years. Rolling them back, she said, would drive up fuel spending and increase harmful emissions.

“In addition to increasing expenses on gas, the roll back will have other harmful impacts, including increased air pollution,” she said. “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.”

Connecticut has more than 2.7 million registered vehicles. State officials report that cars and trucks produce nearly 70 percent of smog-forming emissions and about 35 percent of climate-warming pollution. Air quality monitors showed the state exceeded federal ozone standards on 23 days in 2024 and 22 days in 2025.

Health officials say unhealthy air can worsen respiratory conditions, especially for children, older adults and people with asthma or chronic lung disease. Severe symptoms can lead to missed school or work and increased medical visits.

The NHTSA said last year that stronger fuel economy standards would reduce fuel costs by about $23 billion and generate roughly $35 billion in net benefits for drivers.