MATTERS Gasoline Consumption And Global Warming (NAPSA)—The recent shut- down of a major oil pipeline in Alaska highlights America’s addiction to oil and other fossil fuels. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a science-based advocacy eroup, recommends waysforcitizens to break the habit that will save money andprotect life on our planet. Foremost, the group recommends that those shopping for a new vehicle purchase the car or truck with the greatest number of miles per gallon in its class. Each gallon of gas used in a car releases 25 pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (COz) into the atmosphere. Using less gas reduces global warming and saves consumers thousandsof dollars at the pump. “For most people, their personal car use has a larger impact on the environment than any of their other activities,” said Kevin Knobloch, president of UCS. At home, people can reduce their utility bills and COs emissions by switching to companies that provide renewable energy. Coal-fired power plants provide more than half the electricity in the U.S. and are the largest single source of heat-trapping COs. “If we diversify America’s power supply with homegrown renewable energy sources like wind, biomass and solar,” says Knobloch, “consumers will save money on their energy bills while helping the planet.” For more information, visit the Website at www.ucsusa.org.
