But longer term, as people switch to more fuel-efficient automobiles, the effects in reducing consumption are more dramatic.

According to the most recent government data, the 10 most fuel-efficient automobiles account for less than 2 percent of American vehicle sales.

Following the 1973 oil crisis, compounded by the 1979 energy crisis, American consumers began to buy fuel-efficient, low-cost automobiles built in Japan.

Manufacturers of fuel-efficient automobiles, jet engines or other green products are recognizing that they can burnish their image even as they promote their products.

"Gasoline taxes will push Americans to buy more fuel-efficient automobiles and to drive less," said Representative Pete Stark, Democrat of California.

The American magazine market has generally been about as eager to embrace reduced-format magazines as it is dinky fuel-efficient automobiles.

Auto makers support energy conservation and will continue to develop more fuel-efficient automobiles.

The slippery bodies created for human and solar powered land craft could lead to more fuel-efficient automobiles.

Among those considered most likely are tax credits for people who buy fuel-efficient automobiles and for power companies that produce electricity using renewable energy sources.

In response, some activists and commentators are calling for government action to require more fuel-efficient automobiles.