What: On January 14, 2026, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice extending the comment period until February 4, 2026, for its proposed rule to substantially recalibrate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program by amending its fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles for model years (MYs) 2022-2026 and 2027-2031. The proposed new fuel economy standards would apply to light-duty vehicles (cars and light trucks) powered by gasoline and diesel fuels, including non-plug-in hybrid vehicles (but not battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed rule is intended to fulfill NHTSA’s statutory obligation to set CAFE standards at the maximum feasible level that the agency determines vehicle manufacturers can achieve in each model year, balancing four key factors: technological feasibility, economic practicability, the need of the Nation to conserve energy, and the effect of other Federal regulations on fuel economy. NHTSA has extended the comment period on the proposed rule until February 4, 2026, and denied a request for additional public hearings on the proposed rule.
Why: NHTSA seeks public comment on a range of regulatory alternatives for each fleet, consistent with the agency’s obligations under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Executive Order 12866. The agency estimates that the proposed rule would reduce the average up-front vehicle costs due to CAFE standards by approximately $900, cutting in half what consumers might expect to pay under current CAFE standards.
Action: Read the DOT/NHTSA notice extending the comment period.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
SAFE Vehicles Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
SUBMIT COMMENTS ON PROPOSED RULE:
DOT/NHTSA PROPOSED NEW CAFE/SAFE RULE:
CONTACT: Bruce Lundegren
EMAIL: bruce.lundegren@sba.gov
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.