Congress approved the first increase in automobile fuel economy in 32 years.

The increase was approved by a wide margin Tuesday, and President George W. Bush has signaled he will accept the mandates on the auto industry.

The energy bill will boost mileage by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon.

It passed the House 314-100, and now goes to the White House, following the Senate's approval last week.

The bill spurs increased demand for nonfossil fuels and also requires a six-fold increase in ethanol use to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022.

It also requires new energy efficiency standards for an array of appliances, lighting and commercial and government buildings.

Robert Nardelli, chairman and CEO of Chrysler, endorsed the passage of the energy bill.

"Chrysler is committed to meeting the fuel economy standards of the bill and doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our country's reliance on foreign oil," Nardelli said in a prepared statement. "We continue to devote significant resources to develop quality, fuel efficient products that our customers expect."

He said the company has offered six vehicles this year that get 28 miles per gallon or better, and more are planned.

While some Republican lawmakers criticized the bill for failing to address the need for more domestic oil and natural gas production, 95 GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in support of the bill.