Energy bill would raise mpg standards about 40% by 2020

[babylonsister]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003745443_energy13.html?syndication=rss

Energy bill would raise mpg standards about 40% by 2020

By H. JOSEF HEBERT

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — As motorists face near-record gasoline prices, the Senate took up an energy bill Tuesday that would raise vehicle fuel-economy standards for the first time in nearly 20 years and make oil-industry price gouging a federal crime.

Democratic leaders in both the Senate and House said they want broad energy legislation passed before the Fourth of July congressional recess, hoping to dampen growing voter anger over paying well above $3 a gallon at gasoline pumps across the country.

The Senate bill would require automakers to boost their fuel economy to a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, about a 40 percent increase over what new cars and the less fuel-efficient SUVs and pickup trucks are required to attain today. The auto standard of 27.5 mpg was last increased 18 years ago. SUVS and small trucks must achieve a fleet average of 22.2 mpg.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the bill would help reduce the country's reliance on oil.

The White House issued a statement opposing many of the bill's most critical parts, including the mandatory increase in automobile fuel economy. It also said President Bush would be urged to veto the legislation if it contained the price-gouging language.:wtf:

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[napi21]

1. Heck yea. He's got to veto that federal crime stuff! If he doesn't

he'd have to visit all his friends IN PRISON!

[Kolesar]

2. bush wants a policy that puts the oil-producing countries in control

I think the gop is going to get their heads handed to them on this one.

[kimmylavin]

3. Energy bill would raise mpg standards about 40% by 2020.

Which means it'll get killed before it even gets off the ground.
Anyone see "Who Killed the Electric Car?"

[dysfunctional press]

4. does the phrase "too little too late" come to anyone's mind?

40% by 2020...?

colour me unimpressed and underwhelmed.

[mikeytherat]

5. Mrs. Rat has a phrase for just such crap: "My. How utterly achievable."

Wow. A whole 40% in only 13 years?

My. How utterly achievable.

mikey_the_rat