U.S. Must Commit to Energy Efficiency Immediately, Not Just 20 or More Years 'Down the Road,' Says Alliance to Save Energy

       Statement of Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- "We commend President Bush's proposal
for a long-term federal commitment to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and urge him
also to advocate immediate steps to reduce the nation's oil dependence.
    "While the country awaits the hydrogen-powered cars of 20 or more years
from now, the President should be increasing fuel economy standards for cars,
SUVs, and pickups and urging Americans to purchase and drive hybrid gas-
electric vehicles that are in auto showrooms right now.
    "Rather than cutting budgets for marketplace-friendly technology
deployment programs -- as is proposed in the Administration's fiscal 2004
budget request -- he also should be promoting other current technologies that
save energy, consumers' money, and the environment, while reducing our
nation's oil dependence and increasing our energy security."

    The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business,
government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and
clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy,
and national security.