1 September 2005

Sebelius: “Common sense ways to fight against gas prices”

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the approach of the Labor Day weekend, Governor Kathleen Sebelius called on Kansans to take personal action in response to the hurricane’s impact on the nation’s fuel supplies.

“Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath have disrupted the supply of gasoline and created problems, not just in Louisiana and Mississippi, but throughout the country,” Sebelius said. “I’m confident Kansans will demonstrate how we can all make a difference in easing the impact of this natural disaster.”

“Even as the price of gas skyrockets, Kansans can fight back against high prices,” said the Governor. “There are lots of common sense ways to use less gas, save real money, and help keep the Kansas economy on track.”

“Today, after consulting with several energy advisors, I’m suggesting five common sense approaches to fighting high gas prices.”

Slow down. Driving at the speed limit, or even a bit below, will increase your mileage dramatically.

Car pool. We all know we should, and nothing will reduce gasoline usage more than riding together.

Properly inflate your tires. More than any other bit of maintenance, keeping your tires inflated at suggested levels will increase mileage.

Park the car, and do some errands on a walk. If you can do this, you get the benefits of exercise while you’re saving on gas.

Use more ethanol. The higher the price of gasoline, the more ethanol blends can reduce gas prices. And you’re also supporting Kansas farmers!

“Working together, Kansans can hold down gasoline use,” said Sebelius. “And what’s good for each Kansan will be good for the state as a whole. And we can serve as a model for states across the nation.”