Congress close to raising fuel economy standards

[JLB]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/29/congress.fuel.standards/index.html

Congress is finalizing a deal that would raise the fuel economy standards for most U.S. cars and trucks for the first time in more than 30 years.

[Green Lantern]

First time since Carter... LOL.

I mean, why raise them 5 mph? It could only save us the equivalent amount of fuel as is in the national wildlife refuge in Alaska for the same number of years as that is estimated to supply us.

[JLB]

First time since Carter... LOL.

I mean, why raise them 5 mph? It could only save us the equivalent amount of fuel as is in the national wildlife refuge in Alaska for the same number of years as that is estimated to supply us.

did you mean 5 mpg?

[Green Lantern]

did you mean 5 mpg?

Yes.

[JLB]

But the bill also contains several significant loopholes that would allow auto companies to get around the new limits.

The centerpiece of the bill is a requirement that would raise the corporate average fuel economy standard, known as CAFE, from 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and 22.2 mpg for trucks to 35 mpg fleet-wide by 2020.

The Senate passed the mandate in June, but the House has not yet voted. Congressional aides familiar with the negotiations said House leaders are hoping to work out final language this week and vote next week.

[JLB]

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