The House by a wide margin rejected a proposal April 10 to require a 5 percent reduction in fuel use by motor vehicles as part of a broad energy bill that critics said focuses too heavily on production and not enough on curbing energy use, according to the Associated Press. The bill's supporters called the legislation "a balanced approach" to addressing the nation's energy problems, especially the need for government incentives to spur oil and gas development, including oil drilling in an Alaska wildlife refuge. Sponsors of the auto fuel economy measure argued that there's no way to significantly reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil without requiring more fuel efficient cars and sport utility vehicles, according to AP. But an amendment requiring these vehicles to use 5 percent less fuel by 2010 was rejected 268-162, AP said. Opponents of the requirement said it would jeopardize the auto industry and the ability to buy larger cars and SUVs. It will "force Americans to ride around in minicars," warned Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., whose state is home to much of the auto industry.
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