President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – March 15, 2017

1. President Donald Trump arrives on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What the president announced today was he's going to review some fuel economy standards that were put in place by the Obama administration's Environmental Protection Agency. He's going to review those and possibly weaken them so they make it easier for automakers to comply."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"I'm sure you've all heard the big news that we're going to work on the CAFE standards, so you can make cars in America again. We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you."

4. Various of Trump on stage and the "Buy American – Hire American" sign behind him

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"There are many, many environmental groups that would disagree that it's going to create any more jobs. There have been a lot of jobs created in meeting the standards over the years, but, if the automakers can comply easier and they can make more trucks and SUVs, they make more money. And that more than likely means more jobs as well."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"We are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We're going to be fair. We're going to be fair."

7. Various of vehicles at the event site

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What this does is set up a confrontation with California, or a potential confrontation. California has different clean-air standards, and if the Trump administration relaxes what Obama had put in place right before he left office, California would want still the standard under the Obama administration _ the 36 mile-per-gallon standard. If that happens, the Trump administration might try to take away California's power to set its own emissions standards. And that could set off a big court fight. But that's probably a year, year-and-a-half down the road."

9. Trump waves to the crowd after his speech

President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – March 15, 2017

1. President Donald Trump arrives on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What the president announced today was he's going to review some fuel economy standards that were put in place by the Obama administration's Environmental Protection Agency. He's going to review those and possibly weaken them so they make it easier for automakers to comply."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"I'm sure you've all heard the big news that we're going to work on the CAFE standards, so you can make cars in America again. We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you."

4. Various of Trump on stage and the "Buy American – Hire American" sign behind him

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"There are many, many environmental groups that would disagree that it's going to create any more jobs. There have been a lot of jobs created in meeting the standards over the years, but, if the automakers can comply easier and they can make more trucks and SUVs, they make more money. And that more than likely means more jobs as well."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"We are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We're going to be fair. We're going to be fair."

7. Various of vehicles at the event site

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What this does is set up a confrontation with California, or a potential confrontation. California has different clean-air standards, and if the Trump administration relaxes what Obama had put in place right before he left office, California would want still the standard under the Obama administration _ the 36 mile-per-gallon standard. If that happens, the Trump administration might try to take away California's power to set its own emissions standards. And that could set off a big court fight. But that's probably a year, year-and-a-half down the road."

9. Trump waves to the crowd after his speech

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump was set to reveal his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit, but he previewed the announcement during a round-table meeting at the American Center for Mobility with auto company executives and workers, just before the speech.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleetwide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

As a practical matter, Trump's announcement will target the Obama administration's January decision to lock in strict gas mileage requirements for cars and light trucks, ending a review process before the Democrat left office.

Back in 2012, the Obama administration set fuel-economy regulations for model years 2017-2025 and agreed to complete a midterm evaluation by 2018. But seven days before Obama left office, the EPA decided to keep the stringent requirements it had set in place for model years 2022 to 2025. The industry balked at the decision, insisting it was rushed through to beat the change in administrations.

Trump said he's putting that midterm review back on track, so officials can spend another year studying the issue before setting new standards in 2018.

Trump campaigned on eliminating "job killing" regulations, and the administration is expected to take additional steps in the coming days to roll back environmental regulations.

POOL

Ypsilanti - 15 March 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASHES++

1. Wide, President Donald Trump entering hall

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"I am sure you have all heard the big news that we are going to work on the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, so you can make cars in America again. We are going to help the companies and they are going to help you. There is no more beautiful sight than an American made car, no more beautiful sight. I love this state. I love the people of this state and you did me a big favor and that victory hasn't been won by a Republican in a long time. Long time. And you are going to be very happy, believe me. Very, very happy. During the campaign I came to Michigan again and again and I made this promise, that I am going to fight for your jobs and fight very very hard."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"We want to be the car capital of the world again. We will be and it won't be long, believe me."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"Already we are seeing jobs coming back. Since my election Ford has announced 700 new jobs coming back to their plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. Fiat Chrysler has announced that they will create 2,000 new jobs in Michigan and Ohio. And just today, breaking news, General Motors announced that they are adding, or keeping, 900 jobs right here in Michigan and that is going to be over the next twelve months and that is just the beginning, folks. In fact, I told them that's peanuts, peanuts."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"Today I am announcing that we are going to cancel that executive action, we are going to restore the originally scheduled midterm review and we are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We are going to be fair, going to be fair. This is an issue of deep importance to me. For decades I have raised the alarm over unfair foreign trade practices that have robbed communities of their wealth and robbed our people of their ability to provide for their families. They've stolen our jobs, they've stolen our companies and our politicians sat back and watched. Hopeless ... not anymore"

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump was set to reveal his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit, but he previewed the announcement during a round-table meeting at the American Center for Mobility with auto company executives and workers, just before the speech.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleetwide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

As a practical matter, Trump's announcement will target the Obama administration's January decision to lock in strict gas mileage requirements for cars and light trucks, ending a review process before the Democrat left office.

Back in 2012, the Obama administration set fuel-economy regulations for model years 2017-2025 and agreed to complete a midterm evaluation by 2018. But seven days before Obama left office, the EPA decided to keep the stringent requirements it had set in place for model years 2022 to 2025. The industry balked at the decision, insisting it was rushed through to beat the change in administrations.

Trump said he's putting that midterm review back on track, so officials can spend another year studying the issue before setting new standards in 2018.

Trump campaigned on eliminating "job killing" regulations, and the administration is expected to take additional steps in the coming days to roll back environmental regulations.

POOL

Ypsilanti - 15 March 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. Wide, President Donald Trump entering hall

2. Mid, Trump at podium

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"I am sure you have all heard the big news that we are going to work on the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, so you can make cars in America again. We are going to help the companies and they are going to help you. There is no more beautiful sight than an American made car, no more beautiful sight. I love this state. I love the people of this state and you did me a big favor and that victory hasn't been won by a Republican in a long time. Long time. And you are going to be very happy, believe me. Very, very happy. During the campaign I came to Michigan again and again and I made this promise, that I am going to fight for your jobs and fight very very hard."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"We want to be the car capitol of the world again. We will be and it won't be long, believe me."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"Already we are seeing jobs coming back. Since my election Ford has announced 700 new jobs coming back to their plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. Fiat Chrysler has announced that they will create 2,000 new jobs in Michigan and Ohio. And just today, breaking news, General Motors announced that they are adding, or keeping, 900 jobs right here in Michigan and that is going to be over the next twelve months and that is just the beginning, folks. In fact, I told them that's peanuts, peanuts."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"Today I am announcing that we are going to cancel that executive action, we are going to restore the originally scheduled midterm review and we are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We are going to be fair, going to be fair. This is an issue of deep importance to me. For decades I have raised the alarm over unfair foreign trade practices that have robbed communities of their wealth and robbed our people of their ability to provide for their families. They've stolen our jobs, they've stolen our companies and our politicians sat back and watched. Hopeless ... not anymore"

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"I am asking all the companies here today to join us in this new industrial revolution. Let us put American workers, American families and American dreams first once again. May God bless the American worker. May God bless the motor city and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you everybody."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke about his plans to boost the nations car manufacturers in an address at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

The centre was used to produce B-24 bombers during World War II but is being converted into an automotive testing and product development centre.

Ahead of his visit, Trump confirmed plans to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that he said are stifling economic growth.

Under Obama, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleetwide average of 36 miles per gallon (15.3 kilometres per litre) in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

As a practical matter, Trump's announcement will target the Obama administration's January decision to lock in strict gas mileage requirements for cars and light trucks, ending a review process before the Democrat left office.

++NO SETUPS OR CUTAWAYS AVAILABLE, SOUNDBITE SEPARATED BY BLACK++

POOL

Ypsilanti - 15 March 2017

1. President Donald Trump entering hall

2. Trump at podium

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"I am sure you have all heard the big news that we are going to work on the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, so you can make cars in America again. We are going to help the companies and they are going to help you. There is no more beautiful sight than an American-made car, no more beautiful sight. I love this state. I love the people of this state and you did me a big favour and that victory hasn't been won by a Republican in a long time. Long time. And you are going to be very happy, believe me. Very, very happy. During the campaign, I came to Michigan again and again and I made this promise, that I am going to fight for your jobs and fight very, very hard."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"We want to be the car capital of the world again. We will be and it won't be long, believe me."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Already we are seeing jobs coming back. Since my election, Ford has announced 700 new jobs coming back to their plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. Fiat Chrysler has announced that they will create 2,000 new jobs in Michigan and Ohio. And just today, breaking news, General Motors announced that they are adding, or keeping, 900 jobs right here in Michigan and that is going to be over the next 12 months and that is just the beginning, folks. In fact, I told them that's peanuts, peanuts."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"Today I am announcing that we are going to cancel that executive action, we are going to restore the originally scheduled midterm review and we are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We are going to be fair, going to be fair. This is an issue of deep importance to me. For decades, I have raised the alarm over unfair foreign trade practices that have robbed communities of their wealth and robbed our people of their ability to provide for their families. They've stolen our jobs, they've stolen our companies and our politicians sat back and watched. Hopeless ... not anymore."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"I am asking all the companies here today to join us in this new industrial revolution. Let us put American workers, American families and American dreams first once again. May God bless the American worker. May God bless the Motor City and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you everybody."