The Senate is debating the energy bill again, and fuel economy is likely to come up. Amazingly, Senator Barbara Mikulski of my home state of Maryland just announced her position, which as the Washington Post pointed out is a key event. It looks like Senators might vote to increase fuel economy standards for cars and trucks substantially for the first time in a couple of decades. That should spur the market to provide more fuel-efficient choices like my family's Honda Civic hybrid.

And in case you missed yesterday's post, today is "Dump the Pump" day, with events being organized across the country by public transit agencies. So beat the heat by getting aboard a train, and keep an eye on the Senate...