While gas prices climb as spring arrives, green energy enthusiasts wonder about the possible effects on the budding biofuels industry. As more people pay attention, a growing number of Americans say the United States needs oil rehab.

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With oil prices reaching record levels, the Bush Administration has once again failed to protect American consumers from skyrocketing prices at the pump, according to a recent report by the consumer advocacy group U.S. PIRG.

“Instead of harnessing America’s technological know-how to require light trucks and autos to meet a 40 mile per gallon (mpg) average standard, the Administration has proposed a pathetically weak increase in light truck miles per gallon standards and has given automakers an increased opportunity to game the system by increasing the size of their SUVs and other light trucks, ” said PIRG Legislative DirectorAnna Aurilio.

President Bush signed an energy bill two weeks ago that handed Big Oil a taxpayer-funded gift of $4 billion in new subsidies. Today, the Bush Administration has told the Big Three automakers that they’re virtually off the hook when it comes to delivering light trucks that will go further on a gallon of gasoline.

“Once again, American consumers will see no relief at the pump as this Administration continues to side with Big Oil and the Big Three automakers,” she said.

U.S. PIRG’s report “America Idles: President Bush’s Inaction Costs Americans $5 Billion at the Pump in 2005” showed that American consumers will already spend $5 billion more at the gas pump than they should have to because of shortsighted automobile fuel economy policies. When the Bush Administration first proposed changing the structure of the fuel economy standards for light trucks, 4,500 PIRG members sent comments asking that the Administration increase fuel economy standards to 40 mpg for cars and light trucks, and not allow loopholes that would help automakers game the system. Today’s announcement ignores thousands of public comments - instead allowing Detroit to continue building gas guzzling light trucks.

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Contact Information: Anna Aurilio cell phone: (202) 725-0268..