Mr. Bush, they say, should address consumption more aggressively and not oppose higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars.

"Or should we be calling for better fuel-efficiency standards?"

He insisted that higher fuel-efficiency standards were useless because fuel consumption went up despite them.

His choice for energy secretary, Spencer Abraham, is a Michigan senator who worked hard to protect Detroit from stricter fuel-efficiency standards.

"But I would say that if the objective is energy conservation, then first and foremost should be a program of tougher fuel-efficiency standards."

Higher fuel-efficiency standards could widen the American trade deficit with Japan and hurt American workers and companies, Detroit executives warn.

"Price matters," said Dan Becker, climate policy director for the Sierra Club, which has long called for stricter fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles.

Domestic auto makers oppose stiffer fuel-efficiency standards, too.

Lobbyists and political strategists say the Administration may be willing to trade support for higher fuel-efficiency standards in return for expanded drilling rights in Alaska.

Mr. Bush's main departure from many Democrats and another source of resistance to his energy plan is his opposition to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars.