On Wednesday, the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy, a conservation advocacy group comprised of private companies and public entities, launched its "Drive $marter Challenge" to help consumers use less gasoline. The Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo), a partner in the campaign, is challenging its members to get the most number of residents to participate in the initiative.

The Drive $marter campaign will offer gasoline-saving tips via an interactive Web site, English and Spanish tip cards, radio public service announcements and other marketing devices. "From July through November, we will see which of the nation's 3,066 counties can most effectively spread the Drive $marter message and get the most residents and employees to access www.drivesmarterchallenge.org and learn how they can save money by being more fuel efficient," said NACo President Eric Coleman.

NACo's contest is divided into three, population-based categories. The three winning counties each will receive 1,000 bottles of fuel additive/cleaner from Auto Zone