It can be easy to forget in a midterm election year, but presidents have immense power to drive up consumer costs. President Joe Biden was doing exactly that for car buyers until President Donald Trump took back the White House. This week, the Transportation Department took another step toward making it easier for Americans to buy the cars they want at affordable prices.

On Sept. 28, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lowered the projected 2031 fleet requirement from approximately 50 miles per gallon to 35. That still represents an increase from roughly 30 miles per gallon in 2024. The new rule will give manufacturers greater freedom to build affordable vehicles that fit their customers’ needs.