Americans Can Show Patriotism on Presidents' Day, Save Money at the Pump, by Taking Patriot's Energy Pledge

Price increases for gasoline, diesel fuel, and home heating oil have hit record levels in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So the best way for Americans to show their patriotism and commemorate Presidents’ Day this year is to take the Patriot’s Energy Pledge to reduce their oil consumption at www.saveabarrel.org, Pledge officials say.

The Internet-based campaign, a project of the Alliance to Save Energy, rallies individuals throughout the U.S. to enhance national security and save the environment by saving oil. Among the various oil-saving options are keeping cars properly tuned, taking public transit, carpooling, and pledging to purchase fuel-efficient cars. Since the campaign began about a year ago, nearly 400,000 barrels of oil have been saved through the voluntary actions of those logging on to the web site.

Alliance to Save Energy Deputy Policy Director and Patriot’s Energy Pledge Steering Committee member Kara Saul Rinaldi said, “The Patriot’s Energy Pledge shows that Americans recognize the power of energy efficiency to reduce our oil dependence, protect the environment, and enhance our national security. In addition, the campaign demonstrates that ordinary Americans are taking action and can make a difference.

“With today’s high-efficiency vehicles, consumers can have all the safety and comfort they want in their cars while reducing gasoline consumption. This also allows them to contribute to the nation’s energy security and protect the environment by reducing global warming pollution,” Rinaldi added.

The Patriot’s Energy Pledge was created by a volunteer group of energy experts as a way to reduce our national dependence on oil. In addition to its specific goal of saving a million barrels of oil, the campaign seeks to jump-start American markets for fuel-efficient vehicles as well as increase awareness of the costs of America’s oil dependence.