至尊英语阅读资料之汽车专题第227集.pdfVIP

Automotive articles 227 [5651]Mileage Rules, Harsher Than Bush’s Plan With the goal of limiting the effects of global warming, the auto industry is expected to endure the growing momentum for more stringent Congress fuel economy standards than what was earlier proposed by US President George W. Bush. Fuel-efficient cars and trucks is one of the few ideas with an extensive consensus on Capitol Hill. These kinds of vehicles are ascertained to respond to both global warming and energy security concerns. However, the stricter rule that imposes a stricter momentum may overwhelm Detroit automakers and would eventually make them convey their initial objections and criticism. This is for the reason that stricter fuel economy standards could significantly increase their production costs. Further, financial losses as well as job cuts are anticipated much especially in North America. Last week, President Bush sent his fuel economy proposal to the Congress. In the coming weeks, more proposals are expected to pour in. U.S. Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., will bring in his updated fuel economy proposal in the next couple of weeks. It can be recalled that Markey cosponsored a bill in the last Congress. The said bill requires vehicles to achieve an average of 33 miles per gallon by 2016. President Bushs proposal has a similar goal with a target of four percent annual increase amounting to 34 miles per gallon by 2017. The big difference lies on the authority that will set actual standards. In Bushs proposal, the Department of Transportation will be the one to set the standards. The last round of increase required in fuel economy averaged to about two percent a year. Said level is about to cost the auto industry a hefty $6.2 billion. Markey is expected to run a special committee on global warming to be launched by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Last week, Markey asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman whether the administration would accept a mandatory fuel economy incre