U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday directed federal agencies to find ways to cut gasoline consumption and vehicle emissions by the end of 2008.

"When it comes to energy and the environment, the American people expect common sense, and they expect action," Bush said in a statement from the Rose Garden.

Last month, the Supreme Court rebuked the Bush administration in a ruling that allows local governments and environmental groups to sue the Environmental Protection Agency over its refusal to regulate auto emissions that produce greenhouse gases.

"So today, I'm directing the EPA and the Department of Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture to take the first steps toward regulations that would cut gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles," Bush said.

"This is a complex legal and technical matter, and it's going to take time to fully resolve," he said, adding all concerned agencies, which include the departments of transportation, agriculture and energy and the EPA, will work together on this proposal.

Source: Xinhua