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Politics
Deal made on auto efficiency
Associated Press
Published December 1, 2007
WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats reached a compromise late Friday to boost automobile fuel economy by 40 percent, clearing the way for a House vote on an energy bill that Democratic leaders would like to send to President Bush before Christmas. The agreement came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reached an accord with Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., a longtime protector of the auto industry. Automakers would be required to meet an industrywide average of 35 mpg for cars and light trucks, including SUVs, by 2020, the first increase by Congress in car fuel efficiency in 32 years. With oil prices around $90 a barrel and gasoline above $3 a gallon, Democrats have been eager to send Bush new energy measures. Pelosi said the bill will include provisions to ramp up the use of ethanol and other biofuels and require nonpublic electric utilities to use a minimum amount of renewable energy. Fast facts Bill's provisions More flexibility would be given in improving fuel efficiency for SUVs and pickup trucks, although overall the industry must achieve 35 mpg average counting all vehicles. Manufacturers currently have to meet a fleet average of 27.5 mpg for cars - a level that has not increased since 1989 - and 22 mpg for SUVs, passenger vans and pickups.
[Last modified December 1, 2007, 01:17:31]
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