Bush Signs Energy Legislation Into Law
President Bush signed into law Wednesday legislation that will require wider use of alternative fuels, calling it a major step toward energy independence, the Associated Press reported.
The House approved the measure Tuesday that will boost automobile fleet mileage standards by 40% and President Bush plans sign the bill into law Wednesday morning, AP reported.
The bill — which would boost mileage standards to an industry average 35 mpg — passed the House by a 314-100 vote following the Senate’s approval last week, AP said.
That compares with the current 25 mpg when including passenger cars and light trucks, including SUVs. Congress has not changed the auto mileage requirement since it was first enacted in 1975, AP said.
The bill also requires a six-fold increase in ethanol use to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022, and sets new energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and for commercial and government buildings, AP reported.
While some Republican lawmakers criticized the bill for failing to address the need for more domestic oil and natural gas production, 95 GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in support of the bill, AP said.
