McGee is sponsoring HB106, which would provide a $1,000 in tax credits for purchasing a new vehicle that meets or exceeds current air-quality and fuel-economy standards.

The bill passed 58-14 in the House and now moves on to the Senate.

Fuel economy standards - miles per gallon - vary with fuel type: 31 mpg for gasoline engines, 36 for diesel, 26 for compressed natural gas, and 19 for liquefied petroleum or a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan, said he supports the bill but questioned why the mileage standards were set so low. McGee said those numbers will change to be brought in line with federal guidelines.

The bill also would provide up to $2,500 for vehicles retrofitted with conversion equipment to allow them to use cleaner-burning fuels. The bill applies to natural gas, propane and electric vehicles, but excludes biofuel and other advanced technologies, McGee told fellow lawmakers on the House floor Tuesday. - Cathy McKitrick cmckitrick@sltrib.com