Lawmakers Increase Light-Truck Gas Mileage

Federal lawmakers have agreed on minor changes to federal corporate average fuel economy
(CAFE) rules aimed at reducing fuel consumption by light trucks, including sport-utility
vehicles. The purpose is to reduce global warming and dependence on foreign oil. Lawmakers
agreed to a goal of saving five billion gallons of fuel by SUVs and other light trucks over
seven years, beginning with the 2006 model year. According to critics, the rules would
boost the fuel economy of light trucks by less than one mile per gallon.