Alliance to Save Energy Urges Americans to Drive More Fuel Efficiently in Wake of Hurricane Katrina, Soaring Energy Prices

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's impact on energy production in one of the nation's main energy hubs, and with gasoline and heating fuel prices soaring even higher, the Alliance to Save Energy urges Americans to drive and operate more fuel efficiently heading into the normally heavily-trafficked Labor Day holiday weekend and beyond.

"The devastation of Hurricane Katrina makes us painfully aware of our nation's vulnerability to oil and gasoline supply disruptions and of the pressing need to become as energy efficient as possible to curb demand and reduce high energy prices," said Alliance Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian T. Castelli.

"U.S. consumers can reduce their gasoline expenses by keeping their cars properly tuned up, replacing faulty oxygen sensors, keeping air filters clean, and keeping tires properly inflated," Castelli said. "In addition, drivers should avoid speeding and other aggressive driving habits -- each five miles per hour over 60 is like paying an extra 15 cents per gallon! Finally, consumers should seriously consider a hybrid or other fuel-efficient model the next time they are in the market for a new vehicle."

The Department of Energy and the Alliance have partnered on a Powerful $avings campaign to help consumers lower their energy bills and the nation reduce its energy use (http://www.ase.org/consumers). New gasoline-saving tips for driving, renting, buying, and operating vehicles more fuel efficiently can be found at http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/2440.

Pointing also to rising natural gas and heating oil costs for winter, Castelli emphasized, "Deploying energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our nation's energy supplies and bring down prices."

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.