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Senate OKs New Fuel Standards

Bill would mandate 35 mpg for autos, boost ethanol production

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2007 7:05 PM CST

(Newser) – A bill that will require better fuel mileage for automobiles passed the Senate today after majority Democrats dropped billions in taxes on oil companies, the AP reports. The bill, which Republicans said won't be vetoed if, as expected, it passes the House next week, would force cars, light trucks, and SUVs to get an average of 35 mpg by 2020.

Supporters say the measure will save save consumers $22 billion in gas costs and reduce annual greenhouse-gas emissions by 200 million tons, the AP notes. The bill will also increase sevenfold production of ethanol, and it mandates that the cleaner-burning fuel be made from sources other than corn, such as switchgrass and prairie grasses.

Congressional Democrats Visit Capitol Hill Gas Station
Congressional Democrats Visit Capitol Hill Gas Station   (Getty Images)
Jim Rohrer of Tucker, Ga., pumps gas at a filling station Sunday, June 17, 2007, in Clarkesville, Ga.  The Senate voted Thursday to require average fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon for new cars, pickup trucks and SUVs by 2020, raising efficiency standards that have not changed significantly for...
Jim Rohrer of Tucker, Ga., pumps gas at a filling station Sunday, June 17, 2007, in Clarkesville, Ga. The Senate voted Thursday to require average fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon for new cars, pickup...   (Associated Press)
Cars line up at a stop light in Manhattan in New York City on Thursday, July 21, 2007. If the House goes along with the Senate on stronger fuel economy rules for automakers, the American driver's preference for big vehicles will have to change. U.S. auto industry executives predict...
Cars line up at a stop light in Manhattan in New York City on Thursday, July 21, 2007. If the House goes along with the Senate on stronger fuel economy rules for automakers, the American driver's preference...   (Associated Press)
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