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John Daley ReportingConserve, conserve, conserve. That's the message the President is giving again today regarding fuel in the wake of yet another big hurricane. It's a message that clearly appears to be sinking in.
Damage from Hurricane Rita to massive Texas refineries appears lighter than anticipated, but analysts predict gas prices to remain near $3 a gallon for weeks, even months.
The Bush Administration is calling on Americans to cut back.
President George W. Bush: "We can all pitch in by using, by being better conservers of energy."
That message is not lost on many Utahns, like Travis Dye. Recently this Utah County commuter bought a CNG Chevy, one which runs on compressed natural gas instead of gasoline, and he's not complaining--one five gallon tank cost him $5.70.
Travis, Utah County Commuter: "OF course when I bought it, gas was only $1.85, just six months ago. And natural gas has just increased to $1.15. That's why I decided to get it."
Ron Brown, a salesman for Ken Garff Honda, says more and more customers are looking for fuel efficiency.
Ron Brown, Ken Garff Toyota: "Had a lady just an hour ago buy one up in Layton. And her reasons for buying it, one is fuel economy. The other is cleaning up the environment. You're looking at the cleanest burning vehicle out there. It almost puts out zero emissions."
"High gas prices have many people taking mass transit. TRAX ridership is up 8.5%.
Advocates for energy conservation say there are many ways to save.
Beverly Miller, Director, Utah Clean Cities Coalition: "Smaller cars, smaller fleets, alternative transportation, alternative fuels, idle reduction, all of it plays into this and everyone can make a contribution."
With a war in the Middle East, hurricanes hitting the nation's energy infrastructure, and fueling high gas prices, clearly there's a new appreciation for conservation.
Advocates for fuel efficiency point to another set of intriguing statistics to make their case. In 1991 during the first Gulf War the US was importing 42% of its oil; today imports make up some 63% of its crude oil supply.
