Under the legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency will determine which vehicles lawmakers will be allowed to lease, a list that's expected before the end of the year. Senators are not allowed to use their office budgets for long-term vehicle leases. Lawmakers can seek mileage reimbursement when they use their own vehicles for congressional business.
The EPA's list could include vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Prius, which received high scores on the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide. The guide rates vehicles on their greenhouse gas emissions on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being best.
The 2003 Ford Expedition that Rep. Wally Herger (R-Chico) drives gets a combined city-highway average of 14 miles per gallon and emits about 13 tons of greenhouse gases a year. It scored a 2, the worst among California lawmakers who have taxpayer-funded vehicles.
Becerra's 2006 Prius, which gets about 46 mpg and emits about 4 tons of greenhouse gases annually, scored a 10.
The lease requirement passed narrowly last August after a brief debate, with most Democrats -- including Becerra and Watson -- supporting it and most Republicans -- including Barton, Gallegly and Herger -- opposing it. (Richardson was not in Congress for the vote on the amendment but supported the energy bill in December.)
Watson grew testy when asked recently about her taxpayer-funded vehicle.
"You guys ask me such idiotic questions," Watson snapped. Her spokeswoman, Dorinda White, explained that Watson chose the Lincoln because she is "over 6 feet tall in shoes" and spends a lot of time driving around her district.
Reaction to the requirement has varied.
Some Republicans lashed out at Democrats, accusing the House leadership of hypocrisy.
"I will start driving a green car once Pelosi starts ballooning back and forth from coast to coast to save jet fuel," said Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.), referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who has made climate change a top priority.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said the Chevy Suburban the speaker uses was selected by the sergeant-at-arms, who oversees her security. But Hammill noted that Pelosi has asked that her next vehicle be a hybrid.
The requirement has drawn criticism from Democrats as well.
