ARLINGTON, Va. — A top trucking official and a professional truck driver have urged the Bush Administration and Congress to implement a comprehensive energy plan that will ensure an affordable supply of oil and limit the effect of rising fuel costs on the US economy.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by Senator Mitch McConnell and the Republican Leadership, Barbara Windsor, president and CEO of Hahn Transportation of New Market, Md., said the US needs a comprehensive energy plan that decreases demand for fossil fuels, increases domestic energy production and ensures transparency in the petroleum markets.

“This is a big problem that requires a big solution,” Windsor said. “Trucking delivers America. Trucks transport virtually 100% of groceries, medicine, clothing, appliances and even the fuel that’s pumped at the local gas station. Rising fuel prices not only hurt the trucking industry, but the entire American economy.”

Tony Sifford, a professional truck driver with over 1.8 million accident-free miles, compared the year-over-year cost of fuel for his regular roundtrip route from Hillsville, Va., to Dallas, Texas. At this time last year, Sifford’s fuel bill was $1,680. That same trip recently cost $2,826.

Sifford said truck drivers are doing their part to reduce fuel consumption by slowing truck speeds, reducing idling and properly maintaining equipment. Such steps, however, do not begin to offset the rising cost of fuel, he said.

“I’m trying to do my part,” Sifford said. “But we can’t continue to run our business at these high prices. The high cost of diesel is cutting into our already tight margins. I’ve had a number of friends go out of business already this year. We’re feeling it at the pump. Something needs to be done.”