Half of all vehicles will run on 85% ethanol by 2015, the new energy bill says.

The bill, approved by Senate late Thursday, includes an increase in automobile fuel economy, new laws against energy price-gouging and a requirement for huge increases in the production of ethanol. The energy bill includes a 7-fold increase in ethanol production by 2022.

Speaking on energy in Alabama, President Bush said ethanol is the future.

"If driving your automobile based upon something a farmer grows here in northern Alabama, as opposed to something that's a result of buying from overseas, makes sense to me," President Bush said.

Money for research into more fuel efficient cars and authority for the federal government to investigate oil companies that excessively raise gas prices.

The energy measure sets a standard of 35 mpg for new cars, trucks and SUVs by 2020 and also prohibits price-gouging. Supporters said the new requirement would save 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by 2025, when large numbers of the more fuel-stingy cars will be on the road.

However, Republicans earlier blocked Democratic efforts to raise oil taxes by $29 billion and use the money to promote renewable fuels and other clean-energy programs.