En route: the 35-mpg SUV

The U.S. Senate has passed an energy bill that includes heightened automobile fuel-economy standards requiring automakers to churn out cars, pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles with 35-mile-per-gallon fuel ratings by 2020.

If it becomes law, it would mark the first time trucks and SUVs would be subject to same standards as cars. The measure, led by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), would up car fuel ratings by more than 7 mpg from current standards. Proponents say the new standards would save 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by 2025.

The bill also includes new laws against energy price-gouging and a requirement for massive increases in the production of ethanol.

The Senate approved the bill 65-27 during a late-night session last Thursday (June 21). The measure will now head to the House, before moving on to President Bush.