"American drivers are the latest victims of Congress and auto manufacturers’ refusal to help get U.S. oil demand under control. Auto manufacturers are dragging their feet getting fuel-efficient technologies for SUVs and cars into the market place – technologies that would weaken the grip OPEC has on our oil-dependant country – and Congress is letting them get away with it," states Alliance President David M. Nemtzow.

Consumers driving economy cars could spend some $400 more this year for gas, and those driving inefficient SUVs could spend somewhere from $800-$1000 more as gas prices could reach an average of $1.75-$1.80 per gallon by the beginning of the summer.

"The impact of the high gas prices hasn’t truly been felt yet. By Memorial Day, when the summer driving season kicks off, gas prices will be even higher," concludes Nemtzow. "Although nothing Congress and auto manufactures can do at this point will help the summer’s high gas prices, consumers should demand that Congress get fuel-efficient technologies on the road as soon as possible."

Nemtzow testified before the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee last month in support of increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and urged the Committee to push the automotive industry to introduce its advancing technologies.