Matsui Acts to Protect Americans From High Costs at the Gas Pump

October 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) introduced legislation to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to examine whether it can strengthen fuel efficiency requirements to counter high gas prices and reinstate penalties for automakers that fail to produce fuel-efficient vehicles. “Across the country, Americans are being squeezed by high gas prices, rising grocery bills, and everyday costs that keep stretching family budgets thinner,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The Gas Money Saved Act meets people where they are by strengthening fuel efficiency standards that help drivers spend less on gas for years to come. This is a practical step to lower everyday costs, give families more breathing room, and build a cleaner, more efficient transportation future.” “With gas prices skyrocketing because of President Trump’s prolonged and illegal war, we must take immediate steps to give American consumers some relief,” said Congresswoman Titus. “In May 2026, gas prices rose at a rate ten times higher than the rate of inflation. In Nevada, they now average $5.45 per gallon. Coupled with higher prices on groceries and other goods because of the Trump tariffs, families are struggling to make ends meet.” Congresswoman Matsui, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), a member of the House Transportation Committee, introduced the Gas Money Saved Act to review Corporate Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and reinstate fuel-efficiency requirements that were stripped away by Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill in 2025. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “Fuel economy standards help American drivers get around without breaking the bank while gas prices are high, but Trump and the Republicans gutted these standards as part of their crusade to put Big Oil above American families,” said Senator Markey . “Auto innovation should give consumers better choices, not cut corners at their expense. The Gas Money Saved Act would make sure American drivers have fuel-efficient vehicle options that are cheaper to fill up and hold automakers to account—a cost-saving measure that is especially critical as the Trump Administration would rather spend billions on an illegal war than keep costs low for Americans. The Gas Money Saved Act would: Require DOT to reevaluate CAFE standards if gas prices rise at a rate five times faster than inflation over a six-month period, and; Restore and increase financial penalties on automakers if their car and truck fleet does not meet fuel efficiency standards. Full bill text can be found HERE . Issues : Economy and Jobs Environment Transportation