Biggest pickups won't be on CAFE menu.

WASHINGTON -- Heavy-duty pickups are eluding government bureaucrats once again. Bush administration officials, putting final touches on new light-truck fuel economy rules for 2008-11, reportedly have considered extending standards to the largest light trucks. They have gross weights above 8,500 pounds. But pickups in that range -- regarded as favorites of tradesmen, farmers and cowboys -- would continue to be exempt, say interest groups monitoring the deliberations over the rules. So, for example, the largest Chevrolet Suburban SUV would have to meet a standard for the first time, but a Silverado 2500 or 3500 pickup would remain exempt.