cry-baby car manufacturers

Auto execs go to Hill to discuss mileage

WASHINGTON - The heads of the domestic auto industry are pressing congressional leaders to revisit a plan to increase fuel efficiency standards that automakers say could hurt their industry.

--

The Senate is expected to vote next week on a proposal to raise CAFE standards to a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon for a manufacturer's cars and trucks by 2020, an increase of about 10 mpg over current levels. From 2020-2030, the auto industry would face 4 percent annual increases.

Auto industry officials have called the Senate bill unworkable and resisted attempts to increase the requirements in the past. But they concede that Congress is likely to impose higher standards this year as consumers deal with $3-plus gasoline prices and remain worried about global warming and want to help shape any new requirements.

---

oh cry me a freakin' river! If the car manufacturers hadn't been making guzzling, polluting monstrosities over the last couple of decades, then we wouldn't be having half this problem now. I think if anything these proposals aren't strong enough.