Senate OKs CAFE hikeDemocrats bow to Bush veto threat; bill...

Senate OKs CAFE hike
Democrats bow to Bush veto threat; bill signing expected

Harry Stoffer

WASHINGTON -- The Senate has approved a streamlined energy bill that
will raise vehicle fuel economy standards 40 percent to 35 mpg by
2020.
The Senate voted 86-8 Thursday night for the measure.
The phase-in of higher standards for cars and light trucks would
begin with the 2011 model year. It would be the first congressionally
mandated hike in the corporate average fuel economy program, or CAFE,
since its creation in 1975.
Senate approval came after Democratic leaders bowed to veto threats
by President Bush. They removed tax hikes and provisions to require
utilities to use more renewable fuels.
The measure is expected to get a final vote of approval by the House
of Representatives next week and then be signed into law by President
Bush.
The bill would require a dramatic ...

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