WASHINGTON--The Senate rejected tough new automobile fuel
economy requirements Wednesday, instead approving a more
industry-friendly Levin-Bond proposal that would direct the
Transportation Department to develop new fuel economy rules,
but sets no specific increase for the automakers to meet.
Environmental and consumer groups slammed the Levin-Bond
proposal, saying the "sham amendment" would delay long-overdue
tightening in fuel standards. The League
of Conservation Voters called it a "weak alternative
that would do little to save oil and nothing to improve auto
safety."
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