Senate energy bill reaches big

You may want to contact your senators about this...

http://money.cnn.com/2007/06/19/news/econo...sion=2007061918

Bill calls for big increases in fuel efficiency, purchases of renewable energy, but passage far from certain.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- With gas prices near record highs and global warming making more headlines than ever, the Senate is getting close to a vote on one of the most ambitious pieces of energy legislation this country has seen in decades.

From an environmental perspective, analysts said it's the first time in a long time that lawmakers are considering meaningful legislation to reduce fossil fuel consumption and address global warming.

"All the right pieces are floating around," said Dave Hamilton, director for global warming and energy projects at the Sierra Club. "This Congress will be judged to a large extent on what happens at this moment."

Raising vehicle fuel efficiency standards is one of the most contentious provisions. Other measures include requiring the purchase of renewable electricity and shifting money from Big Oil to alternative energy research.

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The auto industry instead supports a competing amendment, introduced by Republicans and Democrats mostly from auto-producing states, calling for a hike in auto efficiency standards to 36 miles per gallon, but only to 30 mpg for trucks and SUVs after 2025. It also does away with the incremental 4 percent yearly increase after the standards are met.

Environmentalists say the amendment contains too many loopholes, and could end up actually reducing fuel efficiency.

A vote on the measure is expected Wednesday. Staffers from both sides say the outcome is too close to call.