The Bush administration has launched an energy conservation campaign to help Americans cut energy consumption.
In Washington Monday, U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said the two major hurricanes that recently hit the United States have inflicted significant damage on the nation's energy infrastructure. He said consumers should expect to spend more money to heat homes, schools and businesses this winter.
As part of the conservation effort, Mr. Bodman said the campaign will include radio spots featuring a comic book character named "The Energy Hog" that will provide tips to help consumers lower their heating bills.
Critics, however, called the program ineffective and short-sighted. In a letter sent to President Bush Monday, 17 U.S. Democratic senators said securing the nation's energy future is one of the biggest economic and national security challenges facing the nation. They called on Mr. Bush to implement a serious, long-term commitment to reduce America's dependence on oil.
Some information for this report provided by AP. AFP