P.M. BRIEFING : Senate Weighs Auto Fuel Bill
<i> From Times Wire Services</i>
WASHINGTON —
The Senate decided today to consider a bill that would require auto makers to improve fuel economy dramatically. Critics said the measure would only force consumers to buy smaller cars.
The move opened the way for a likely vote on the measure, probably early next week. The bill would require new cars to achieve an average 40 miles-per-gallon fuel economy by the end of the decade.
A similar measure has been introduced in the House, but has yet to emerge from committee.
By a vote of 68-28, the Senate agreed to proceed with the legislation and scuttled an effort by Sen. Donald W. Riegle Jr. (D-Mich.) to prevent the bill from being introduced.
