Senate rejects better mileage for gas guzzlers

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate Energy Committee on Wednesday rejected a Democratic plan to require sport utility vehicles and minivans to become more fuel efficient and achieve the same gasoline mileage as passenger cars in six years.

Under the failed proposal, SUVs and other light trucks would have to meet the same 27.5 mile-per-gallon rule for passenger cars by 2011, up from a current 21 mpg for light trucks.

Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California tried to add the plan to a broad energy bill being debated by the committee. The panel voted against it, 15 to 7.

Supporters said closing the so-called "SUV loophole" would reduce U.S crude oil imports, cut down on polluting emissions spewed by vehicles and save consumers money at the pump.

Opponents said imposing a higher fuel standard would place further burdens on U.S. automakers that are already suffering financially, endangering thousands of high-paying jobs. They also said the government should not dictate what vehicles consumers buy.

More here:

http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050518/...ONGRESS-DC.html

I like how it says:

"They (U.S. automakers) have essentially refused to listen to the marketplace," she said. "Toyota is going to eat their lunch."