Trump administration weakens car fuel efficiency standards; Cornell rape case reopened
The Trump administration has weakened fuel efficiency standards for new cars in the U.S., while prosecutors have reopened a rape case linked to a fraternity at Cornell University.
Fuel efficiency standards
The Trump administration has decided to weaken federal rules governing how much fuel new cars sold in the United States are permitted to consume. Such standards have historically been used to push automakers toward more fuel-economic vehicles, reduce the country's reliance on imported oil, and limit harmful emissions. The move fits into the administration's broader push to roll back environmental and energy regulations it views as an excessive burden on the auto industry.
Cornell University case
Separately, U.S. prosecutors have announced that they are reopening a rape case connected to a fraternity at Cornell University. Reopening the case means authorities have decided to re-examine a criminal investigation that had previously been closed or suspended.
The two developments represent distinct but simultaneously topical strands of U.S. domestic affairs — regulation of the environment and transportation sector, and questions of justice within higher education.
