Senate Votes to Treat SUVs Like Cars

Jun 21, 09:22 PM

Current Headlines: The U.S. Senate Thursday approved a bill requiring auto makers to raise fuel-economy averages to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for cars and light trucks.

Current federal law requires auto makers to meet a standard of 27.5 mpg for cars and 24 mpg for light trucks. The measure approved Thursday would bring sport utility vehicle mileage standards in line with those for automobiles.

(The legislation) closes the SUV loophole, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. This is a victory for the American public.

Car manufacturers lobbied against the bill, which passed only after sponsors agreed to remove a requirement for a 4 percent annual increase in fuel efficiency every year after 2020, The New York Times reported.

The Senate passed the measure by a voice vote. The bill must still be approved by the House of Representatives.