AAA Urges Congress to Address Soaring Gasoline Prices Through Fuel Efficient Cars, Accurate MPG Testing and a Uniform Clean Fuel Standard.

WASHINGTON -- Too many gasoline blends, an outdated fuel economy test and too many large vehicles, have contributed to making the nation's gasoline supply vulnerable in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, according to AAA.

In testimony before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today, Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President and CEO, called on Congress to commit to achieving higher fuel economy standards on all vehicles, updating miles-per-gallon testing procedures and seeking a federal standard for clean gasoline.

"As Hurricane Katrina has reminded us, we are never more than a disaster away from this type of crisis," said Darbelnet. "If we do not reduce our dependency on fossil fuel or increase our access to a reliable source of it, the narrow margin we rely on for stability will continue to erode."

In discussing the need to improve fuel economy standards, Darbelnet said if automakers are unwilling to accept this challenge, Congress should require improvements through changes in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program. While acknowledging the Bush Administration has proposed changes in CAFE standards, Darbelnet said, "This proposal does nothing to address the largest and heaviest passenger vehicles on the road today."

Darbelnet reiterated AAA's position calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to modify its miles-per-gallon testing procedures to accurately reflect real-world driving conditions. The current EPA miles-per-gallon test erroneously assumes drivers never go over 55 mph, drive up hills or use their air conditioners, producing results that often differ significantly from AAA's own real world road tests.

"EPA's outdated tests provide consumers with incorrect information," said Darbelnet. "That's wrong and the American people deserve better, especially if we expect them to make informed vehicle purchases."

During his testimony, Darbelnet said policymakers should pursue a uniform federal standard for clean gasoline to eliminate the current patchwork of multiple fuel blend requirements throughout the nation. He emphasized that AAA has no interest in scaling back improvements to air quality, but alleged that so-called "boutique fuels" have contributed to price volatility and regional supply disruptions.

In the short term, he also called on motorists to conserve gasoline, oil companies to price their product fairly and local authorities to be vigilant with regard to any retail pricing abuses that may occur in the aftermath of Katrina.

"In times of abundance and low prices, we don't realize how critical fuel is to our economy and our way of life," said Darbelnet. "The uninterrupted availability of reasonably priced gasoline is the lifeline of personal mobility that allows people to get to work, children to get to school, goods to be transported, business people to travel and families to vacation."

As North America's largest motoring and leisure-travel organization, AAA provides its 48 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully-tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

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