Bush administration proposes 1.5-mpg increase in SUV fuel economy

WASHINGTON (Dec. 18)—The Bush administration has endorsed a plan to raise the corporate average fuel economy standards for light trucks and sport-utility vehicles 1.5 mpg—to 22.2 mpg from 20.7—by the 2007 model year. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the standards would save 2.5 billion gallons of gasoline their first year, but environmentalists insisted the administration was being too easy on the auto industry. Original equipment tire suppliers couldn't be reached for comment, and the Rubber Manufacturers Association said fuel economy issues were taking a back burner at the association to the Transportation Recall Efficiency, Accountability and Documentation Act.