Washington Passes Fuel Efficiency Bill
December 19, 2007
Congress has passed, and President Bush has signed, a bill that “requires the (auto) industry to achieve an average of 35 miles per gallon for all vehicles, including SUVs and small trucks, by 2020” (AP). The actual miles per gallon may vary among the different classes (e.g. SUVs might average 30 while sedans average 40) as long as the industry average equals 35.
The bill also calls for “a huge increase in the use of ethanol as a substitute for gasoline” (Fox News). The ethanol must come from a combination of corn, prairie grasses, wood chips, and other types of feedstock. The bill also includes some non-auto related energy efficiency measures: improved efficiency of household appliances, a 70% increase in light bulb efficiency, new building standards for federal and commercial buildings (including that they “produce as much electricity as they use”).
The measures are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100 million tons per year, reduce oil demand by 4 million barrels a day, save consumers $700-$1,000 per year in auto fuel, and lower annual electricity bills by $13 billion.
The bill passed in the House 314-100 and in the Senate 86-8, well over the necessary number of votes to override a presidential veto. But that vote will not be necessary, as President Bush signed the bill into law at a ceremony at the Energy Department.
