(Washington, D.C.) - Legislation in the House, aimed at raising fuel economy, is being endorsed by a group of major automakers.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota, backs the proposal which calls for increasing gas mileage standards to at least 32 miles per gallon by 2022. The group calls this plan a more reasonable approach than a recently passed Senate bill which would require 35 mpg for new vehicles by 2018.

G.M. vehemently opposed the Senate proposal. Officials claimed raising gas mileage to 35 mpg would cost the company nearly $40 Billion. That could then force the company to cut production of some vehicles, such as those made at Fort Wayne's G.M. plant. If that happens, jobs would be lost.

If the House passes the bill, it would go to President Bush for his approval.