Since 2002, California has added 8.3% more drivers while reducing its gasoline consumption by 3.5%. And while taking the lead, they are not alone in this trend. Credit high fuel prices, economic stress and improved car technology for the reduction.
In this LA Times report, based in part from data supplied by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute, gas sales throughout the U.S. are analyzed for trends with special focus on CA and TX. FL and NY defied the trend.
"In the first six months of this year, Californians gasoline consumption dropped "1.7% from the same period last year." See graphic of gasoline sales (all grades) from 2007-2011.
"Motorists across the nation are hitting the pump less often because of high fuel prices, economic stress (from the recession) and improved car technology, experts said.
Among the states with the most licensed drivers, only Texas kept consuming more fuel nearly every year for the last decade, according to Energy Department data. Now, even Texans have taken a dramatic turn: (Gas sales plummeted) 7% from the same period last year, but still up 7% from the first half of 2002.
Still, with 9 million fewer licensed drivers, Texas consumes 459 gallons a year per driver. That's compared with California's 321 gallons."
While more fuel efficient vehicles reduced consumption, a 6% reduction in vehicle miles traveled played a part as well, said Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute.
Thanks to The Roundup
FULL STORY: California motorists leading the way on using less gasoline

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont