SUV enthusiasts have reason to feel glum these days, what with gasoline prices at record highs for the peak summer driving season and Senate Democrats pushing to mandate better gas mileage for the domestic fleet of cars — which means production of larger vehicles could be trimmed. Last month McCahill, 60, energetically denounced bids to increase federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. His group, founded in 1999, relies on makers of recreational vehicles for its financial support.

Q. What’s your reaction when people say it’s irresponsible to drive an SUV?

A. I don’t think waving a scolding finger is going to solve our energy dependence. Calling names and making judgmental decisions isn’t going to get us cheaper gas.

Q. These are popular vehicles, but do people really need them?

A. People in D.C. may have enough money to buy a vehicle for every type of usage. But out in the rest of the country, millions need to buy one car that meets all their needs. I’m not in the business of marketing SUVs, but people should be able to pick the vehicle of their choice based on their lifestyle.

Q. What’s the biggest misconception about SUV owners?

A. The idea that we don’t care about the environment. SUV owners are very concerned about climate change.

Q. So why don’t you support the effort to raise fuel economy standards?

A. Because CAFE is at odds with the market. It forces car companies to build certain kinds of vehicles, but consumers aren’t forced to buy them.

Q. What do you propose as an alternative?

A. I would like to see incentives on biofuels, such as ethanol, and incentives for infrastructure to support them. We would welcome the opportunity to pump biodiesel if it were available.