In national survey released by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a large majority of Americans expressed great concern about the nation's dependence on oil imports. They see this dependence as increasing gas prices, threatening future gas supplies, and funding terrorism.

This concern about oil dependence is a major reason why a large majority of Americans (73%) support increases in federal corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE) - by one mpg per year over the next ten years - even when these higher standards increase the price of cars. Surprisingly, there is statistically significant more support for these increases in the auto-dependent North Central region of the country than in the other three regions. Legislation in both houses of Congress, which is gaining support, would mandate these improvements, annually reducing gas consumption by 46 billion gallons and saving more than $125 billion at current prices.

Over 84 percent of Americans are concerned about oil import dependency, with more than half (52%) expressing great concern. When asked why, large majorities expressed concern about future gas prices and supplies (93%), future reliability of gas and heating oil supplies (88%), funding terrorism (86%) and funding unfriendly foreign governments (82%).

At the same time, most Americans greatly overestimate the nation's domestic oil reserves and ability to substantially increase production. More than half (55%) of Americans mistakenly believe the nation holds more than twenty percent of the world's oil reserves. In fact the U.S. has less than 3% of this oil. Those who overestimate domestic oil reserves are also most likely to think, "We can produce enough oil to reduce our dependence on oil imports."

As well as supporting increases in CAFE, Americans can reduce the nation's dependence on oil imports by taking ten fuel-saving actions. Two of the most effective actions, which don't involve changes in driving, are replacing dirty air filters and making sure tires are aligned. Drivers with dirty filters and poor alignment who take these two steps can reduce their gas consumption by nearly 20%, effectively reducing the price of gas by over $.50 per gallon. Today CFA is releasing 10 simple tips that will save the typical household over $300 a year in gasoline costs.