sponsible: BABY STEP

Well, it's better than nothing we suppose, but the new fuel efficiency bill that just passed through Congress is so meager in its scope that the president isn't even expected to veto it. It states that auto makers would need to adhere to a 35 mpg rating for all

automobiles by 2030. It's amazing how small positive advances must be to get through all divisions of our legislature, but another mild boost to a 40 mpg standard followed by another 5 mpg raise in a few more years could start to make a real difference.

It seems we're more a nation of baby steps than "giant leaps" these days.There's also a nice ethanol provision built into the bill, but it too is very modest. However, by l etting your congresspeople know that you support raising CAFE standards and funding biofuel research you, as an individual, can make an impact on the future of our nation's fuel consumption habits.

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ENERGY BILL HEADS TO WHITE HOUSE
Measure Tightens Rules on Auto Fuel Economy

Associated Press
December 18, 2007 2:08 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Congress by a wide margin approved the first increase in automobile fuel economy in 32 years Tuesday, and President Bush has signaled he will accept the mandates on the auto industry.

The energy bill, boosting mileage by 40% to 35 miles per gallon, passed the House 314-100 and now goes to the White House, following the Senate's approved last week.

In a dramatic shift to spur increased demand for nonfossil fuels, the bill also requires a sixfold increase in ethanol use to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022, a boon to farmers. And it requires new energy efficiency standards for an array of appliances, lighting and commercial and government buildings.

"This is a choice between yesterday and tomorrow" on energy policy, declared House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), who was closely involved in crafting the legislation. "It's groundbreaking in what it will do."

While some GOP 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.

"This legislation is a historic turning point in energy policy," said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland because it will cut demand for foreign oil and promote nonfossil fuels that will cut greenhouse gases linked to global warming.

It increases energy efficiency "from light bulbs to light trucks," said Rep. John Dingell (D., Mich.), a longtime protector of the auto industry who was key to a compromise on vehicle efficiency increases.

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VIDEO OF THE DAY

Rep. Edward J. Markey, chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and chief advocate of a higher national fuel economy average for cars and SUVs, speaks on the historic energy bill passed by the House and sent to the president on 12/18/07.