Surging Gas Prices, by the Numbers

We Need Alternatives to Oil

Gas prices are reaching record highs this month, just in time for the start of the summer driving season. The price increases are wreaking havoc on families’ budgets and summer road-trip plans, as a new Center for American Progress report explains. Further price hikes may be in the offing, as demand for oil continues to grow and outstrip supply.

We clearly have to wean ourselves off our dependence on oil by seeking out higher fuel economy standards and developing biofuels. Unfortunately, the executive order President Bush issued last week on energy and global warming issues is too weak to lead to any real progress. His fuel economy proposals undercut more efficient Senate and House proposals, and because his measure on alternative-fuel production lacks safeguards it could lead to more pollution, not less.

Here’s a by-the-numbers look at why we need to break our addiction to oil and develop viable energy alternatives.

$3.218: Average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline this week, a record high

$0.33: Additional amount you’ll pay for a gallon of regular gas now versus a year ago

26: Number of years since gasoline was this expensive, in inflation-adjusted terms

86.1: Percentage by which gasoline is more expensive now than it was in March 2001

$3.44: Average price of a gallon of gas in California

49: Number of states that have average prices at or above $3 a gallon; the only exception is New Jersey

$3,600: Amount the typical American family will spend on gas this year if higher prices persist, according to AAA

67: Percentage of Americans who say the recent price increases in gasoline have caused financial hardship for them

64: Percentage of Americans who think we should act immediately to use cleaner alternative energy

74: Percentage of Americans who think we should move toward switching from oil to alternative fuels

27: Percentage of Americans who feel that our energy policy is headed in the right direction

The Center for American Progress has a seven-point plan for how we can achieve energy independence and reduce global warming emissions that includes measures to increase the supply and use of sustainable low-carbon transportation fuels and reinvigorate fuel economy standards. It’s necessary that we change our oil-loving ways As supplies of gas continue to dwindle and demand grows, prices will only rise higher. Recognizing this, Americans have signaled that they want their leaders to take action on energy independence now. Public demand for a responsible new course for U.S. energy policy will only increase over the summer as visits to the gas pump yield pained hearts and light wallets.