The U.S. House could vote today on a bill to raise automobile mileage standards, encourage development of alternative fuels and allow regional HVAC equipment standards.

Several published reports have said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is likely to bring the bill up for a vote today, despite a veto threat from the White House.

A number of HVAC industry groups have been lobbying, so far unsuccessfully, to eliminate provisions that authorize the Energy Department to establish different heating and air-conditioning efficiency standards for various geographic areas.

Currently, all equipment sold conforms to one federal standard.

This week, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, and Heating, Refrigerating and Airconditioning Distributors International were urging members contact their representatives to oppose the legislation. The groups say it will increase costs for contractors, distributors and consumers, and not save the energy supporters predict.

The bill is expected to easily pass the House. It would also have to pass the Senate, where Republicans, opposed to the added taxes the bill would impose on oil and gas producers, may block it. President George W. Bush has complained of similar problems with the legislation.