News: California gas consumption declining

[MetroMPG]

Via Green Car Congress

California consumed 4.5% less gasoline, including aviation gas, in January 2008 than in January 2007, according to figures released by the State Board of Equalization (BOE). The BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors.

Too bad there's no way to know how much is (a) the economy, (b) behavioral changes (driving smarter, driving less), and, (c) more efficient vehicle purchases (fleet avg fuel economy going up?).

[MetroMPG]

Oh, and this interesting tidbit:

Despite the drop in gallons consumed, the BOE estimates that sales tax revenue has increased due to higher gasoline prices. Higher prices generated approximately $299 million in sales tax during January 2008. In contrast, January 2007’s gasoline sales generated $249 million.

[Daox]

Wow, I have to say I'm amazed and quite happy at that.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Too bad there's no way to know how much is (a) the economy, (b) behavioral changes (driving smarter, driving less), and, (c) more efficient vehicle purchases (fleet avg fuel economy going up?).

That is interesting. It definitely would be useful data as to why this is.

My guess is economy vs. the family budget (which could result in driving less).

They would have to conduct a survey of sorts to weed out the info.

BTW, is this gas and not Diesel? Since Cal has higher than average fuel prices, maybe goods are coming into the U.S. through cheaper (out of state) ports other than Long Beach, etc.

They just set-up a new intermodal center up the road and it's already off to a running start. KCS (Kansas City Southern Railroad) has acquired the TFM (National Railroad of Mexico) and renamed it the "Kansas City Southern de México". People call it the "NAFTA Railroad"

Long story short, goods can come and go through Mexico on the Pacific or Gulf sides and into the intermodal facilities here. Likely, it's much cheaper, and could distract from the fuel consumption in the Western U.S.

RH77

[Red]

I see more behavioral changes. Every when gas ramps up 10 cents the highways become deserted for a week or two. Either people adjust or they just have to go somewhere, traffic density returns; gas goes up again etc. Also I've noticed in some areas less tanks on the road and more beaters

[LostCause]

Based on my local observations, I would say that driving behavior has changed very little. The roads are still congested with people driving as usual: speeding, swerving, jerky. This includes cars and big rigs alike.

Most people that I've talked to seem oblivious or unwilling to adopt techniques to improve their mileage. One person was floored after I told him I was paying 1/4 the amount of his gas bill weekly. After suggesting better driving habits, he showed little interest.

It seems that gas has not become an economic burden to most in California, just an annoyance.

- LostCause

[trikkonceptz]

I know that one day I woke and said enough is enough ... that DON'T BUY GAS ON FRIDAY crap doesn't work, but one tank less a month out me will make me feel better. Then I found you guys and I may have to ammend that statement to 2 tanks of gas a month ... LOL

[Compaq888]

I live in california and really nobody is slowing down. In fact people are honking and cursing at me more as the gas prices are rising. People actually think the faster they get home the less gas they spend. In the last month I have been cut off many times by people hurrying to a red light, had even one chick flooring her brand new GMC truck to go around me just to cut me off...well let's just say that me downshifting into 2nd and flooring it solved that problem and me and my cousin got a good laugh for like half a mile...

I had people even go off the road to get around me and I was actually only driving 5 mph below the speed limit... The funniest thing is the most pissed off drivers doing that are mostly with the trucks and suv's

[Red]

Huh, maybe its my drive time (9-10am -> 7-9pm) but I'm seeing a drop

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by Red

Huh, maybe its my drive time (9-10am -> 7-9pm) but I'm seeing a drop

I've noticed that here too. I get in the slow lane doing 55 and there is a whole heard of behind me. There still is the fast lane moving as always but there has been a long line that just joins the train and goes the distance.

I'm sure that will change in a few months once everyone gets used to the igher prices and starts picking the speed up again.