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US Congress sends bill raising fuel efficiency standards to Bush

US Congress sends bill raising fuel efficiency standards to Bush (CNN 19th Dec 2007) Congress by a wide margin approved the first increase in automobile fuel economy in 32 years Tuesday, and President Bush plans to quickly sign the legislation, accepting the mandates on the auto industry. A new energy billl would increase the fleet average of U.S. automakers to 35 miles per gallon. The energy bill, boosting mileage by 40 percent 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 statement, the White House said Bush will sign the legislation at the Energy Department on Wednesday. In a dramatic shift to spur increased demand for nonfossil fuels, the bill also requires a six-fold 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.