1. Alexis Bierman
Section 015
Obama: Technology can save Americans gas money
President Barack Obama said Saturday that he is going to do everything he can in
order to save American’s money on gas, both now and in the future.
In his weekly presidential address, Obama said that the recent spike in gas prices
is a reminder as to why America must invest in new technology that is lighter, faster,
and more fuel-efficient.
“Whether you’re paying for a plane ticket, or filling up your gas tank, technology
that helps us get more miles to the gallon is one of the easiest ways to save money and
reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Obama said.
The 44th president said that America, consuming 20 percent of the world’s oil,
needs a strategy that relies less on foreign oil and more on American-made energy.
Discussing his strategy, Obama said that he has been focused on fuel-efficient cars since
the day he took office.
“Over the last few years, the annual number of miles driven by Americans has
stayed roughly the same, but the total amount of gas we use has been going down,”
Obama said. “In other words, we’re getting more bang for our buck.”
Obama said America has put in new standards that will make sure people’s cars
average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade, doubling what it is

2. today. Requiring bringing together auto companies, unions and people who don’t
usually see eye to eye, the president said the task was not easy, but that it was worth it.
“Every year, our cars and trucks will be able to go farther and use less fuel, and
pretty soon, you’ll be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week- something
that, over time, will save the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump,” Obama said.
“We’ll reduce our oil consumption by more than 12 billion barrels.”
In his address to the American people, Obama said that Congress must stop the
giveaways to an oil industry that’s “never been more profitable,” and invest in a clean
energy industry.
“We should be investing in the technology that’s building the cars and trucks and
jets that will prevent us from dealing with these high gas prices year after year after
year,” Obama said.
America’s first African-American president acknowledged that the cycle of rising
gas prices won’t be easy, nor will it happen overnight, but said that he and his team
were sent to Washington to solve tough problems like this one.
“I’m going to do everything I can to help you save money on gas, both right now
and in the future,” Obama said. “Let’s put aside the bumper-sticker slogans, remember
why we’re here, and get things done for the American people.”
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