NEW YORK, Nov 20 (Reuters) - The Bush administration is considering a proposal to require higher rates of fuel efficiency for sport-utility vehicles and other light trucks in what would be the first move to raise targets in six years, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
The proposal comes amid a political debate over U.S. oil dependency and energy consumption, in part because of the possibility of war with Iraq, the Journal said in its online edition. It also said automakers also face mounting pressure from states and advocacy groups to make SUVs more fuel-efficient.
The proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would raise standards by about a half-mile per gallon annually in the 2005-2007 model years, or by a total of 1.5 miles a gallon by 2007, the Journal reported.
The newspaper quotes one official as saying the plan, which remains in draft form, is based on data submitted by Detroit's Big Three auto makers, which are expected to oppose it.
U.S. law requires that the agency give auto makers at least 18 months to make design changes if it proposes an increase in fuel-economy standards, according to the Journal report.
Reuters could not immediately reach a White House spokesman for comment.