WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Zero Emission Transportation Association’s Executive Director, Albert Gore, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement that it will lower fuel efficiency standards at the White House today:

“Today’s rollback of vehicle fuel-efficiency standards does nothing for drivers concerned about rising transportation costs and the affordability of car ownership. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy program was originally created in response to the 1974 oil embargo and the price shocks that harmed American families and the broader economy. Over the years, these standards have driven automakers to invest in advanced technologies—such as electric vehicles—that give drivers more options and significantly lower their fueling costs. This has been especially valuable given the volatility of global oil prices over the past several decades.

“Weakening fuel economy standards won’t do much to make cars more affordable but is certain to make Americans buy a lot more gasoline. That means higher fuel expenses in the years ahead without the guarantee of lower upfront costs.

“This action also harms domestic manufacturers that have invested heavily in advanced technologies, the facilities needed to bring them to market, and the employees that have been hired to build them. It also complicates further investment in domestic manufacturing and the upstream supply chain, as changing standards create uncertainty for businesses.

“Beyond the domestic market, this move will also make American-made vehicles less competitive globally, particularly in markets that continue to demand strong fuel-economy performance.”