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Compromise Close on Energy Bill

House and Senate negotiators are close to finalizing a deal on the energy bill that would compromise between the two versions passed earlier this year. According to staffers, the bill would mandate a 35 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency standard for the nation's vehicle fleet by 2020 and set 2015 as the date for 20.5 billion gallons of biofuels to be required.

Representative John Dingell, D-Mich., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, initially supported a less stringent fuel economy bill in the House but he now indicates that a compromise based on the Senate version is possible. If completed, the House could consider the bill next week when they return from recess.