Congressional negotiators reached a deal late Friday on energy legislation that would force American automakers to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars and light trucks by 40 percent by 2020.
The proposal, which would require automakers to achieve 35 miles per gallon on average, is similar to a measure that was passed in the summer by the Senate but was bitterly opposed by the auto companies.
The compromise should ensure passage in the House, although the Senate may insist on changes. It does not appear to include provisions, like $16 billion in new taxes on the oil industry, that drew a veto threat from President Bush.
even if they meet the law’s mandate, the fuel efficiency of the American car fleet will still lag far behind that of other major industrialized countries.
European auto companies, for example, must average 40 mpg and China requires a 35 mpg standard.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/washington/01energy.html?th&emc=th
What do you think of these new standards?
2007-12-01
03:49:59
·
11 answers
·
asked by
Dana1981
7
in
Conservation