Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Urges Fuel Conservation to Cut Costs, Lessen Hurricane Katrina's Toll; State Agencies Ordered to Take Immediate Steps to Implement Energy-Saving Measures

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 1 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today urged Pennsylvania residents to conserve fuel as storm damage to Gulf Coast oil infrastructure is expected to push gas prices past $3 a gallon with more drivers taking to the highway over the long Labor Day weekend.

Additionally, Governor Rendell yesterday directed state agencies to put in place energy-saving measures in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"All of us have been affected by the scope and magnitude of this natural disaster, and all of us play a part in the ongoing recovery effort," Governor Rendell said. "There are a number of steps everyone can take to help conserve fuel and cut costs.

"I also have directed state agencies to develop a strategy to reduce our energy costs," Governor Rendell said. "I have ordered them to report back to me immediate steps that we can take to save fuel and cut costs. I expect we will take steps within the next 24 hours to implement these conservation and cost-saving measures."

Although no fuel supply shortages have been reported in the Northeast, gas prices continue to increase sharply in the wake of damage to the Gulf Coast, which accounts for nearly a third of domestic oil production. Assessments of the storm's toll on one of the nation's primary energy sectors continue.

At Firestone Tire & Service Centers in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Governor Rendell said conservation is critical to efforts to ease the widespread affects of Hurricane Katrina.

The Governor also stressed that Pennsylvanians can take a number of actions individually to ease the burden of the natural disaster. Vehicle maintenance is an important factor in conserving fuel, decreasing pollution and improving gas mileage. The benefits are a healthier environment and greater financial savings -- and in this time of crisis, decreased demand on fuel supplies.

Several national groups also are urging conservation measures. The Petroleum Marketers Association of America yesterday called on President George Bush and U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to urge motorists to conserve gasoline and diesel fuel however they can over the next two weeks. The national automobile and drivers' association, AAA, is offering advice to motorists on the benefits of proper car care and skillful driving to conserve gasoline.

Average retail gas prices surged to record levels yesterday. The average cost nationally for gasoline stood at a record price of $2.62 a gallon on Aug. 31, 75.9 cents a gallon higher than the same time last year. The average price in Pennsylvania is at a new high mark of $2.586 a gallon, 71.4 cents a gallon higher than one year ago. Today's average prices will be calculated later in the day and are expected to be higher than yesterday.

Energy inflation diminishes spending power, raising the cost of food, airline tickets, delivery services and countless other products. Aside from raising gasoline prices, higher fuel costs also spill over into other markets and impact the price of petroleum-based consumer products, including many pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

"Sometimes the smallest steps can make the biggest difference, and there are things every one of us can do to maximize fuel efficiency and offset the recent price increases," Governor Rendell said. "The easiest way to combat higher prices and conserve fuel is to drive less. When that's not possible and you need to be on the road, there are actions you can take to maximize fuel efficiency and offset price increases."

Motorists can take steps to make gasoline dollars go farther and minimize the impact of high fuel prices on daily life by following some of these tips:

    -- Don't be an aggressive driver.  It lowers gas mileage by as much as
       33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets -- or
       87 cents per gallon and 13 cents per gallon, respectively, at current
       prices.

    -- Replace dirty air filters that waste gas and cause engines to lose
       power.  Replacing these filters can improve gas mileage by as much as
       10 percent, saving about 26 cents a gallon.

    -- Check tire pressure.  When tires are underinflated, it is like
       driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per
       gallon.

    -- Replace worn spark plugs.  A vehicle can have up to eight spark
       plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles.  A
       dirty spark plug causes misfiring, wasting fuel.

    -- Avoid quick stops and starts.  This can save up to two miles a
       gallon.

    -- Avoid idling.  Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon and consumes
       between one-half and one gallon of gasoline per hour.

    -- Check the vehicle's gas cap.  Loose, damaged and missing gas caps
       allow 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

    -- Take unnecessary weight out of trunks or backseats.  By some
       estimates, hauling around an extra 100 pounds can cost 1 mile a
       gallon.

    -- Combine errands to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

    -- Whenever possible, take public transportation or carpool.

Pennsylvania is leading the way to promote the effective use of alternative fuels, such as biofuel, for transportation and other needs. In November 2004, Governor Rendell provided a $219,000 Pennsylvania Energy Harvest grant to Worley and Obetz Inc. to help finance the nation's first automatic injection station in Highspire, Dauphin County. The station allows biodiesel to be added into conventional diesel at a major distribution site, enabling large-scale corporate customers to begin utilizing biodiesel to help meet their transportation needs.

Governor Rendell also has been working aggressively to help motorists who face higher gas prices and promote alternative energy sources, including expanding the state's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG). AFIG helps residents purchase alternative-fuel vehicles and finances related fuel projects to build the infrastructure necessary to expand the state's capacity to produce alternative fuels. Since its inception in 1992, DEP has awarded nearly $25 million in AFIG funds for 961 projects in more than 50 counties.

For more information, visit DEP's Web site at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/, Keyword "Alternative Fuels."