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Senate votes for 35mpg fuel economy standard

Washington | June 21

AP - The U.S. Senate voted 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 nearly two decades.

The fuel economy measure was added to a broad energy bill without a roll call vote even as senators were holding a news conference announcing the compromise.

Republicans earlier blocked Democratic efforts to raise oil taxes by $29 billion (€21.65 billion) and use the money to promote renewable fuels and other clean energy programs.

Democratic leaders hoped to complete the energy bill Thursday night, but senators close to the auto industry began an effort to derail the entire bill.

The legislation for the first time would establish a single fuel economy standard applicable to not only cars, but also SUVs and pickups which currently have to meet less stringent requirement.


chalo June 22, 2007 - 4:51pm
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( categories: News | USA: Congress: Senate )

When I saw 35 mpg, I thought, "great!"

but when I saw that it doesn't reach that requirement until the year 2020, I thought, "what's the holdup?" We need to conserve now to avert the worst social and economic effects of peak oil and international competition for energy resources. The fact that a push for energy efficiency will increase US productivity and give American businesses an opportunity to reassert technological leadership is just gravy.

When I read that the bill includes a requirement for E85 fuel compatibility, I knew that this measure was nothing more than window dressing. Ethanol is a joke-- it's a stupendous giveaway to Monsanto and corn-producing agribusiness, but it requires more energy to produce than it contains in the fuel. And with these MPG ratings as a guide, there isn't nearly enough arable land in the whole country to make much of a dent in our appetite for gasoline.

This legislation is being pitched as a disappointment to Detroit automakers, but it's in fact a huge boon. The requirement that fleet average economy escalate to 52mpg (normal for European cars) by 2030 was dropped, and the timetable is so lax that market conditions will already demand better than 35mpg economy before the regulation does.

chalo June 22, 2007 - 5:08pm
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I take it

that you were not reassured by the article by Eric S. Cheney, and Marianne W. Hawkes for the Geological Society of America the other day which insisted that oil will always be available.

"As for gasoline, it will not run out soon, but it will become progressively more expensive. Presumably, some will always be available at US$20 to US$100 (in 2006 dollars) per 3.8 liters."

Wonder if I'll be willing to buy any of it in 2020?

pihwht June 22, 2007 - 7:08pm
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The real question...

...is will you be willing to sacrifice your lungs, your water, your children's future and vast numbers of species in order to keep buying it? It will be available a long, long time. If it's $100 / gal, it will be the consumer paying for it. If it's $20 / gal, it will be everybody, even if they don't get any.

Gordon June 22, 2007 - 7:26pm
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It if is $100

I imagine that we'll still be paying so that the DOD can drive around while the rest of us walk.

pihwht June 22, 2007 - 7:51pm
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Ding ding ding!

We have the right answer!.

Behind one of these doors is a fabulous IKEA dinette set that totally captures your personality (offer void in presence of schizophrenia)! Behind another is an all expenses paid indefinite vacation at fabulous Guatanamo Bay (drinks not included)! And behind the third is this amazing pair of Nike walkers - if the Cherokee had only had 'em, their "trail of tears" would be known as "hop, skip and jump of joy"!

So what'll it be Mr pihwht? Door number 1, 2 or 3? You have 60 seconds.

Gordon June 22, 2007 - 8:10pm
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