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Viperfreak2 · March 7th, 2007, 12:46 PM

One story from today's Automotive News.

Senators ponder need to limit vehicle power

Harry Stoffer | Automotive News / March 6, 2007 - 2:59 pm

WASHINGTON -- Senators of both parties said today that the government may have to cool the American passion for high-powered cars and trucks -- in the name of saving fuel.

The lawmakers, members of a key Senate committee, also said they don't trust the Bush administration to be tough enough in raising fuel economy standards.

"I sense a lot of reluctance and foot-dragging," said Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, during a hearing on fuel economy.

Lawmakers should raise standards by passing a law rather than waiting for the administration to do so by regulation, said Snowe and some other members of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Snowe and others have introduced a bill to require new cars and trucks to average 35 mpg by 2019 -- about 40 percent higher than today's combined average.

President Bush has said he wants to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent in 10 years. He envisions greater use of alternative fuels and increases of fuel economy standards by as much as 4 percent a year for new vehicles.

March 7th, 2007, 12:46 PM	#1
Viperfreak2 Senior Member Viperfreak2 is offline Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 388 Rep Power: 4	Senators ponder need to limit vehicle power One story from today's Automotive News. Senators ponder need to limit vehicle power Harry Stoffer \| Automotive News / March 6, 2007 - 2:59 pm WASHINGTON -- Senators of both parties said today that the government may have to cool the American passion for high-powered cars and trucks -- in the name of saving fuel. The lawmakers, members of a key Senate committee, also said they don't trust the Bush administration to be tough enough in raising fuel economy standards. "I sense a lot of reluctance and foot-dragging," said Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, during a hearing on fuel economy. Lawmakers should raise standards by passing a law rather than waiting for the administration to do so by regulation, said Snowe and some other members of the Senate Commerce Committee. Snowe and others have introduced a bill to require new cars and trucks to average 35 mpg by 2019 -- about 40 percent higher than today's combined average. President Bush has said he wants to cut gasoline consumption by 20 percent in 10 years. He envisions greater use of alternative fuels and increases of fuel economy standards by as much as 4 percent a year for new vehicles.