Should a patriot drive a gas hog?

By David Crary

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Which is more patriotic: Buying an American automaker’s sport utility vehicle, or driving a smaller, more fuel-efficient car?

Motorists are getting contradictory messages as the war on terrorism reshapes the homefront debate over energy policy.

Sales of gas-guzzling pickups and sport utility vehicles have surged lately, with carmakers offering interest-free deals and encouraging consumers to "keep America rolling," as the General Motors slogan goes. But conservation advocates are telling Americans that the best way to keep the nation secure is to use less gasoline.

"If you notice these days, the bigger the SUV, the bigger the flag," said David Nemtzow, president of the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy. "I don’t doubt the patriotism of the drivers, but couldn’t they show their patriotism a little better by putting their flags on a smaller car?"

America’s ties to the Arab world have been under scrutiny since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, prompting urgent calls for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on oil imports.

The Bush administration says this can be accomplished by producing more energy in the United States, including drilling in the now-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Environmentalists argue the best course of action would be to promote fuel conservation and energy efficiency.

"People don’t want to be told that if they drive a big, heavy, fuel-inefficient car, they’re being unpatriotic," said Jim DiPeso, spokesman for Republicans for Environmental Protection. "We need the political leaders to stand up and say that efficiency and conservation are good for America."

The auto industry says it is working hard to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles, but it opposes any mandatory toughening of federal standards. For now, plunging gasoline prices have deflated consumer interest in efficient cars.

"Fuel economy is on the list of what consumers are looking for, but not necessarily on the top of the list," said Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "They’re still looking for vehicles that meet their needs."

Auto sales slumped briefly after the Sept. 11 attacks, but soared a record 26.4 percent last month compared to October 2000, thanks mainly to zero-interest financing deals. GM’s truck sales jumped 47 percent; Chrysler’s Jeep Liberty, Ford’s F-series pickup trucks and Ford’s Explorer SUV all set sales records.

Dana Mantilia, general manager of the Hammonasset Ford dealership in Madison, Conn., said SUVs have been big sellers in recent weeks.

"If someone was going to buy a (Lincoln) Navigator before Sept. 11, they wouldn’t say, ‘Let’s not get a Navigator now,’ " Mantilia said. "These are families that have kids, that take their kids’ friends with them. We haven’t seen any cutting back."

Yet Bergquist acknowledged that SUVs have become symbols of gas-guzzling. "They’re a vehicle you either love or hate," she said.

The United States consumes far more oil than any country in the world, and relies on imports for more than half its needs. More than 10 million barrels a day comes from abroad; almost one-fourth is from the politically volatile Persian Gulf.

In August, the House of Representatives rejected a proposal to toughen fuel-efficiency standards for SUVs. In the latest federal ratings, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks average 17.9 miles per gallon, while cars average 23.9 mpg.

Conservation groups say that increasing fuel economy to 40 mpg by 2012 would produce oil savings far larger than the reserves in the Alaska wildlife refuge. They note that Japanese manufacturers already have extremely fuel-efficient cars on the market, the Honda Insight with 64 mpg and Toyota Prius with 48 mpg.

But these so-called hybrid cars, powered by conventional gasoline yet able to draw on electric motors, have yet to show potential as big sellers.

Nemtzow believes most Americans — because fuel prices have dropped — aren’t focusing on energy issues.

"Americans should display their patriotism in the form of using less imported oil, but they don’t," he said. "The auto companies should step forward and display some leadership. I don’t expect them to — I hope I’ll be proven wrong."

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Everett fire destroys home under construction, damages adjacent structures

The fire happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Everett
Open house on Everett comprehensive plan coming Feb. 28

The state requires fast-growing cities like Everett to create comprehensive plans, which plan for population growth, transportation improvements and more.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.