Panel Approves Fuel Economy Increase

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-cong/2007/may/08/050803620.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - A plan to increase fuel efficiency standards to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 won approval from a Senate panel Tuesday in a vote closely watched by automakers and environmental groups.

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the measure, which would raise the nationwide fleet fuel economy average by about 40 percent from current levels of 25 mpg for cars and trucks. The bill, approved on a voice vote, would also increase standards by 4 percent a year from 2020 through 2030.

"This is not a perfect bill, but I think we have reached a stage where most parties would say this is fair," said Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, the committee chairman.

He said the bill would be considered before the full Senate in June.

<more>