Hybrid cars produce fewer emissions, that is a fact. Greenhouse gases do impact our environment – even the Bush administration has finally admitted this (although it continues to dispute the causes).

I own a hybrid that averages 52 miles per gallon. I can travel 520 miles before gas is needed, and I purchase nine or 10 gallons. Those figures are reduced by the cold to 43-45 mpg. On a trip to Iowa, the car averaged 46 mpg with the air conditioning on.

EPA standards are calculated under perfect conditions, but that is true of all vehicles, not just hybrids. The salesperson claimed that users were finding an average of 45-55 mpg, which was more realistic than the EPA standard.

Not all models are the same, but the bottom line is that Americans have to do something. That effort starts with each one of us. For example, the family truck is used only when necessary (my husband carpools).

Our dependence on foreign oil, which will run out some day, not only jeopardizes our economy and our environment, it now jeopardizes the country’s security.

We need leaders who have vision and long-term plans to wean us off foreign oil. Unfortunately, we do not have a leader with that vision. That means we have to act as individuals, and the best way to do that is with our pocketbooks.

I would encourage others to purchase a hybrid auto. It is worth the extra money in so many ways.

Sandy Carder, Gray