WASHINGTON – Today, the Committee on House Administration’s Ranking Republican Vernon Ehlers, R-Mich., participated in a tire-check and fuel economy demonstration hosted by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Ehlers, who has long promoted the importance of simple automobile maintenance to save money and help protect the environment, participated in today’s demonstration by ensuring that staff departing the Rayburn Garage had adequate tire pressure and maintenance tips to increase fuel efficiency. According to representatives hosting the demonstration, a vast majority of the cars that participated in the demonstration did not have properly inflated tires. The Department of Energy estimates that 1.2 billion gallons of fuel were wasted in 2005 as a result of driving on underinflated tires.

Ehlers had also assisted with the educational campaign by securing the required permission from the House Office Building Commission to hold the event in the House Rayburn Garage, and sent a letter to his colleagues encouraging participation. “With gas prices at an all time high, the simple step of keeping tires inflated will help ease pain at the pump, as well as reduce carbon emissions, a major threat to the environment,” Ehlers noted in his letter. “I encourage any Members and staff who park in the Rayburn Garage to take advantage of this opportunity to maximize their fuel dollars while helping the environment.” Click here to see pictures from today's event.

For more information, please contact the Committee press office at (202) 225-8281.