Letter: Weakened fuel efficiency goals will cause lasting damage

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 5, 2026

The Trump administration recently lowered goals for fuel efficiency in many gas-powered vehicles from 50.4 miles per gallon in 2031 down to 30.1 mpg. This reduction will increase emissions and accelerate climate change when we need to slow it down. This change is short-sighted, environmentally harmful, and will have lasting negative impacts on all of us. Keep this in mind when voting this November. ~ Erica Bartlett, Portland