US Senate passes a new energy bill, targets cars

[Jack]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/06/....ap/index.html

an agreement was reached to increase average fuel economy by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUVs and pickup trucks by 2020.

It would be the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency since the current 22.7 mpg for cars was put in place in 1989 and the first time Congress has imposed a new auto efficiency mandate in 32 years.

Supporters said the new requirement would save 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by 2025, when large numbers of the more fuel-stingy cars will be on the road.

Bold move by the USA, I'm imagining this won't be too well received. 35mpg isn't all that fantastic, and I can't help thinking it's too little too late, but it's a step in the right direction.

[Tom Williams]

Its a great move, tbh it is late but it needed doing.

On the other foot its all totally wasted when china are building a reputed 2 coal powered fire stations a week IIRC.

Tom

[Tathan]

China have pointed out that that they're in favour of reducing emissions, but if it significantly harms their welfare, then they won't even consider it. Which is fair enough, or at least what we do.

[lethal]

35mpg isn't all that fantastic,

35 miles per US Gallon = about 42mpg in 'our money' so I'd say they're very serious.