President Bush is scheduled to sign the first increase in corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE) into law Wednesday, December 19 at the headquarters of the Department of Energy in Washington.

The bill, modified by the Senate last week and approved by members of the House of Representatives on December 18 in a 214 to 100 vote, will raise fuel standards to an average 35 mpg by 2020, representing an increase of 40 percent over the current levels.

Additionally, the measure issues a mandate for substantial increases in the production and use of alternative fuels, a step described by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) as "a choice between yesterday and tomorrow."

Naysayers like Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton have predicted that Congress will be forced to grant time extensions as the standard will prove too difficult for automakers to meet. Only eight of the 350 vehicle models currently available achieve the 35 mpg mark.

The chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC Robert Nardelli voiced support for the measure saying, "We continue to devote significant resources to develop quality, fuel efficient products that our customers expect. This year alone, we offer six vehicles that get 28 miles per gallon or better, and more are on the way."

The American International Automobile Dealers Association likewise applauded the measure citing a commitment to improved fuel economy.