It's Official: 35 mpg CAFE

Early yesterday the President signed the 800-page energy bill that will bring big changes in fuel economy standards beginning in 2011. As we mentioned last week, this is the bill signed into law that ups the ante on CAFE standards to 35 mpg by 2020.

While the President emphasized his Twenty in Ten plan earlier this year, Automotive News reported that the true force behind this bill was the Democratic shift in Congress--and their proactive stance in slashing greenhouse gas emissions. All in all, it's good news. For not only will we soon have more choices in the way of fuel efficient vehicles, it's another signpost signaling the tide is turning in support of smarter options ... ones that include not only higher fuel economy standards, but alternative fuels like biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and natural gas. From smarter driving to more efficient lifestyle choices, the answer is in the cumulative effect of all the little things we do daily. And it sure doesn't hurt to have a push from the law to do the right thing.

It's about time, Washington.

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