Well, it's finally happened: Americans are starting to use less gasoline. It took a weakened economy and record oil prices -- crude hit an all-time high of $103.95 a barrel Monday -- but in the past six weeks, U.S. gasoline consumption has fallen by an average 1.1 percent from 2007 levels, the most sustained drop in at least 16 years (excepting the dropoff that followed Hurricane Katrina). As Americans move to mitigate their gas-pump pain by seeking out more fuel-efficient cars, migrating into walkable neighborhoods, and riding public transit, analysts are suggesting that reduced gasoline use could be a long-term trend.
source: The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press
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Comments
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Tasermons Partner Posted 9:45 am
03 Mar 2008
Nearly every category of large trucks, SUVs and gas guzzlers were down. In some cases, up to 30% or more. Some auto plants are also cuttin' back production (less GHGs from energy for production!), meanwhile most small and mid-sized car categories sales exploded.
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Pangolin Posted 1:07 pm
03 Mar 2008
You won't be able to give the damn things away one of these years.
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Delay And Deny Posted 2:11 pm
03 Mar 2008
I got rid of my 1991 Grand Prix LE (euthanasia) and bought a 1988 Mazda 626.
I think this car was owned by that professor in back to the future who must have made some mods on it, because when I put the AT/EC into Econ mode, it doesn't seem to use any gas at all.
Either that or a fuse on the gauge is out.
Will report back later...
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jolly roger Posted 12:56 am
04 Mar 2008
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ImagesAndAdjectives Posted 2:48 am
04 Mar 2008
I have to hold myself back from being snide or critical. I know those tactics never work to change behavior. The only thing I can do is lead by example - my husband and I make enough money to be able to afford any kind of vehicle we want, but I drive a VW Golf diesel that gets 50mpg and he drives a Prius on the days he's NOT bike riding 25 miles to work. And yes, we have a child. And a dog. I don't need a friggin bus just because I have a kid.
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Fulton Hanson Posted 7:19 am
04 Mar 2008
Toward a green and sustainable future,
Fulton Hanson,
rural Pine County, Mn.
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galvo Posted 7:50 am
05 Mar 2008
In NYC they have been successful in banning small electric assist motors on pedicabs and also passing legislation banning pedicabs from NYC streets.
If you are outside NYC, there is poor or non-existent public transit. You are forced to waste money and fuel since you need to use a car to do local errands and get to the train station. Bicycles do not work very well in the Westchester area since it very hilly east- west. The current available solo electric transport devices could take the place of a large percentage of local trips, however Gov Spitzer has deemed Segways illegal on NYS roads. I have never ridden one, but i think they or the next generation would be perfect for the Hudson River towns and doing my shopping without the need for a drop of gas.
Zipcar or velo bike type subscription would enable the short term use without the need for purchase, maintenance or storage.
They would also be great for the transporting of people from the metro north train stations to the restaurants and coffee shops in the business districts. The BD usually is ¼ to ½ mile from the sea level train station and at the top of a hill. Every weekend that i return via the train from outdoor activities, i imagine how a Segway rental rack would enable me and other hungry hikers to patronize the restaurants in towns like Peekskill and Tarrytown.The business would get a huge increase in a different clientele, since a completely new crowd of customer would fill their stores. The big complaint of the river town business owners have is not enough parking. This would give them access to a completely new group that does not need parking.
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pasque Posted 1:39 am
11 Mar 2008
just wanted to comment to fulton(jay) that i live in iowa and have seen your stickers around here. what a great idea... hopefully it continues to move across the states. thanks!
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