[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DESIGNATION OF AUGUST AS NATIONAL FUEL EFFICIENCY MONTH

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                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2012

  Mr. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge President Obama to 
designate August as National Fuel Efficiency Month. It is critical that 
we help educate the American public that we can all contribute to 
energy independence and environmental sustainability if we undertake a 
few simple measures.
  More fuel-efficient vehicles are being built and sold in the United 
States every day. But as we head into the major summer driving season, 
it's important to remember that we all can improve fuel efficiency 
right now, through a number of simple measures--even without buying a 
new car.
  In my home state of Pennsylvania, there were nearly 7.9 million 
passenger vehicles on the roads last year. Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, 
Erie, Mercer, Vernango, and Warren counties accounted for almost 
500,000 of those registrations. For all of the drivers in 
Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district--and for all of the many 
drivers across the United States--we should be raising awareness about 
how to be more fuel efficient.
  For example, simply using cruise control will help drivers maintain a 
steady speed and save fuel. Tuning your car and keeping tires inflated 
each can increase your fuel economy by 3 or 4%. Driving responsibly and 
at the speed limit also improve fuel economy.
  AAA and many other organizations have tips for driving economically. 
EPA also has posted information on efficient driving at http://
www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml. These techniques will save 
Americans fuel, decrease emissions and help us achieve energy 
independence.
  Again, I urge the President to designate August as National Fuel 
Efficiency Month. Such a designation would provide the perfect 
opportunity for all of us to take a good look at our driving habits and 
see how easily we can improve fuel economy.

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