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Americans using less gasoline

Posted at 1:41 PM on 03 Mar 2008

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.

sources: The Wall Street Journal (access ain't free), Associated Press

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Comments: (8 comments)

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They just released the latest cars sales figures:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080303/ap_on_bi_ge/auto_sale ...

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.

by Tasermons Partner at 4:45 PM on 03 Mar 2008

SUV's make good greenhouses....

or homeless shelters for that matter. Sure they don't have restooms but they'll be almost free soon enough.

You won't be able to give the damn things away one of these years.

Put the Carbon Back

by Pangolin at 8:07 PM on 03 Mar 2008

1988 Mazda 626

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...

by jabailo at 9:11 PM on 03 Mar 2008

Driving fast

Last year I stopped driving completely for 3 months. I switched to a combination of public transport and bicycle. I saved almost $500 in fuel alone. When my registration runs out, I'm selling my car for good.

by jolly roger at 7:56 AM on 04 Mar 2008

People With 6-Figure Incomes Won't Care...

I have a friend who recently traded in her sedan for a gas-guzzling Acura SUV. She makes a very good income - probably 200K or more per year. Paying an extra $100-$500 per month for gas won't matter much to her. It seems her only concern is a) comfort and b) status.

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.

Margaret E.

by ImagesAndAdjectives at 9:48 AM on 04 Mar 2008

Drive Easy

Two years ago we initiated a action in Minnesota to encourage motorist's to drive easy...conserve. We borrowed the orange slow moving vehicle sign, found on the back's ot tractor's and buggies, and greened it. The result was www.greenslowmovingvehicle.com. We've distributed this symbol all over the world, but of course have had the greatest impact in Minnesota and Wisconsin. When people start to "drive easy" many cool thing's begin to happen; suchas...save fossil fuels, delay peak oil, lessen dependency on foreign oil, save money on gasoline, increased safety, and relaxed motoring. The "sweet spot" for most vehicle's is 55mph. By driving this speed we begin to impact the consumption pattern. Thus far, we have over 25,000 graphically perfect "educator's" on the roadway's. The action is simple, basically free, and effective. We invite you to join our movement. check out...www.greenslowmovingvehicle.com. Also as a grassroot's effort, we appreciate idea's and support. Our phone number is included on our web page

Toward a green and sustainable future,

Fulton Hanson,
rural Pine County, Mn.

Toward a green and sustainable future, Fulton, rural Pine County, Mn.

by Fulton Hanson at 2:19 PM on 04 Mar 2008

NYS laws force unwanted oil consumption

The stranglehold that the taxi and automobile lobbyist have on alternative transportation modes in New York State needs to be challenged. This strangle hold is forcing enslavement on oil where it can be easily eliminated.
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.

by galvo at 2:50 PM on 05 Mar 2008

slow moving vehicle

hey there,

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!

by pasque at 8:39 AM on 11 Mar 2008

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