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Bush signs off energy bill

US president George Bush on Wednesday signed off a new energy bill aimed at cutting the nation's dependence on foreign supplies.

The enacted law paves the way for a fourfold increase in the use of biofuels.

It also demands the phasing out of traditional lightbulbs and sets limits on the amount of water used in new washing machines and dishwashers and sets tougher standards for carmakers, electric-appliance manufacturers and ethanol producers.

Mr Bush described the bill as "a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure".

The Bush administration aims to cut gasoline use by 20 per cent by 2017 and wants power firms to use renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, to generate 15 per cent of electricity output by 2020.

Washington aims to boost car fuel efficiency by 40 per cent by 2020.

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