Senate Passes Energy Bill

Vehicles must hit a green 35mpg by 2020; Detroit seeing red

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2007 5:00 AM CDT

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Senate Passes Energy Bill — In this photo provided by CBS, Sen. Dianne Feinstein appears on CBS's "Face the Nation" in Washington, Sunday, May 20, 2007. (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper) (Associated Press)

The Senate gave a green light to an energy plan that would pump total fuel-economy standards to 35 mpg by 2020, and require vehicles to run on 85% ethanol by 2015. Democrats say the bill will reduce America's reliance on foreign oil, help control gas prices and counteract the effects of global warming, while analysts say it's a blow to Detroit.

"I'd thought we were going to be here all night," said Diane Feinstein after legislators approved the plan 65-27 just before midnight. The bill also includes a proviso against price-gouging, but Dems couldn't squeeze a huge tax hike on oil companies in. The proposal faces a stiff debate in the House, probably as soon as next week. (Read more Dianne Feinstein stories.)