Energy bill to save ‘billions’

President Bush has promised to sign into law, perhaps as early as Wednesday, an energy bill that will mandate the first increase in automotive fuel economy standards in 32 years.

The wide-ranging energy bill, passed by the House on Tuesday and the Senate last week, also calls for a dramatic increase in ethanol use and addresses energy standards for light bulbs and appliances.


“If you drive a car or if you use a toaster or heat your home, this bill is going to save you money,” says Brendan Bell, Washington representative of the Union of Concerned Scientists. The environmental lobbying group estimates the vehicle fuel economy changes will save consumers $22 billion a year starting in 2020. In the home, the energy efficiency provisions could save $400 billion in electricity and gas bills by 2030, the group says.

“This is billions and billions of dollars for consumers,” Bell says.

USA Today