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May 27, 2008
WASHINGTON — With Memorial Day kicking off the summer driving season, a coalition of private- and public-sector groups, with Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., as an honorary co-chairman, launched a campaign to help consumers save at the gas pump.
The Alliance to Save Energy’s Drive $marter Challenge, with an accompanying Web site at www.drivesmarterchallenge.org, offers tips and coupons for saving gas and money while driving, with the goal of reducing fuel use and cutting pollution.
“The price points (on gas) are painful for people, and people are mad,” Rep. Wamp said.
The campaign includes driving and maintenance tip cards that will be available at Wal-Mart service stations, English and Spanish public service ads and other marketing efforts.
The average family is projected to spend $3,400 on filling up their vehicles this year, Alliance officials said, and that number could go up as gas nears $4 a gallon.
Just as important as saving money for consumers is weaning the country off its dependence from foreign oil through reducing consumption and increasing conservation, officials said.
“While (the campaign) helps people with the pocketbook, it also helps the nation,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.
On the challenge Web site, users and input their vehicles’ make and model, and a calculator will show how much money can be saved if the tips are followed.
For instance, the driver of a Ford F-150 truck, the most popular vehicle in the country, can save up to $714 a year, assuming normal driving usage, according to the Web site. Even a Toyota Prius hybrid car owner can still save up to $412 a year.
Participants can also download coupons for vehicle maintenance products, including oxygen sensors, air filters and spark plugs. In addition, the site links to other resources on finding the cheapest gas and information on public transportation, biking and carpooling.
Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., is the campaign’s other honorary co-chairman. The Alliance includes the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Environmental Protection Agency, Wal-Mart Foundation, the American Petroleum Institute, the Natural Resources Defense Council and 12 other private and public organizations.
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