Gillibrand sees 60 mpg for U.S. cars; Democrat advocates higher fuel-economy standards, alternative power sources.(Capital Region)

Byline: TIM O'BRIEN Staff Writer

Democratic congressional candidate Kirsten Gillibrand proposed new fuel standards Friday she contends could get American cars 60 miles to the gallon.

Gillibrand, who faces incum bent U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, in the 20th Congressional District,

called to increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards each year to reach the 60 mpg goal in a decade. The current standard is 27.5 mpg for a car, 20.7 mpg for an SUV.

"If we are going to be energy-in dependent in a decade, this is the type of work we need to do now," she said.

Rather than offer oil companies tax breaks, Gillibrand said …