House passes 35 mpg CAFE standard

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives today approved a wide-ranging energy bill that includes a fuel economy standard of 35 mpg for cars and trucks by 2020 – about 40 percent higher than today.

The vote was 235-181 — opening the door for the biggest mandated hike in standards since the corporate average fuel economy program, or CAFE, was created in 1975.

Even though automakers ultimately supported the bill, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas warned that higher CAFE standards, even if technologically feasible, will add several thousand dollars to the price of every vehicle. He is the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said he hoped the bill would be remembered as “our generation’s declaration of independence” from foreign sources of oil.

But the fate of the broader legislation remains in doubt.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on Saturday, but Democratic leaders may have trouble mustering the 60 necessary votes – for reasons mostly unrelated to fuel economy. In addition, the White House earlier this week renewed a veto threat.