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Congress Set to Require 35mpg on US Autos

Lawmakers agree to measure upping mileage 40% by 2020

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2007 8:35 AM CST
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(Newser) – Lawmakers have hammered out a deal to force US automakers to improve fuel efficiency, the New York Times reports. The measure requires cars and SUVs to get 35mpg on average by 2020, an improvement of 40%. It is expected to pass Congress and be signed into law as part of a larger energy bill by the end of the year, the Detroit Free Press notes.

Currently, US cars must get 27.5mpg and light trucks—including SUVs and minivans—must get 22.5. Under the deal, the distinction between sizes will remain, but the combined fleet must get 35mpg. That figure is below current requirements in Europe (40mpg) and the same as China's. Automakers grudgingly assented and will receive some federal aid to help them meet targets, the Free Press says.

Vehicles will have to get better mileage under proposed federal legislation.
Vehicles will have to get better mileage under proposed federal legislation.   (Getty Images)
Gas prices in the northwest section of the District of Columbia at this Exxon Gas Station are seen at more than $3.25 per gallon, Saturday, May 19, 2007, in Washington. Rising oil prices have added urgency to negotiations over an energy bill to reduce America's reliance on oil. (AP...
Gas prices in the northwest section of the District of Columbia at this Exxon Gas Station are seen at more than $3.25 per gallon, Saturday, May 19, 2007, in Washington. Rising oil prices have added urgency...   (Associated Press)
A sports-utility vehicle climbs a hill on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. Stricter fuel standards are on the way. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
A sports-utility vehicle climbs a hill on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. Stricter fuel standards are on the way. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)   (Associated Press)
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