Majority Leader Harry Reid held off the vote until late into the evening and shortly before midnight, senators voted 62-32 to cut off debate, and followed by passing the bill 65-27. The measure now awaits action by the House.
The bill is aimed to increase average fuel economy by 40 percent to 35 mpg for cars, SUVs and pickups by 2020.
It's the first significant change in fuel standards in 20 years, the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency since the current 22.7 mpg for cars was put in place in 1989 and the first time Congress has imposed a new auto efficiency mandate in 32 years.
For automakers, the new bill means tougher standards, but not as tough as they'd expected. For drivers, it means cars that get better gas mileage. [...read more...]
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