Gasoline consumption continued to increase for the first six months of the year, as it has for the last years, reports the Federal Highway Administration. What's different this year is that it was by the largest amount, ever.
"It is the highest amount on record and the sixth consecutive increase in national gasoline consumption for the first six months of any year on record.," reports Doug Hecox, spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration, on Oct. 28.
| REGION | Percent Change |
|---|---|
| Total | 3.0 |
| North-East | 2.6 |
| North-Central | 2.5 |
| South-Atlantic | 2.7 |
| South-Gulf |
4.1 |
|
Western
|
3.0 |
Credit: Federal Highway Administration
As the above map shows, the area with the greatest increase, at 4.1 percent, was the South Gulf. The states with the largest increases were the most populous states, respectively:
- California at 7.65 billion gallons
- Texas at 7.1 billion gallons
- Florida at 4.57 billion gallons.
Oklahoma led the nation with the greatest percentage increase of 8.2 percent, followed closely by "Delaware and Utah with 7.9 percent and 7.2 percent increases, respectively," notes Hecox.
North Dakota’s fuel consumption decreased by 5.9 percent, the largest decrease among the states in that period.
The primary purpose of keeping track of fuel consumption doesn't relate to President Obama's Climate Action Plan but providing revenue to the Highway Trust Fund.
The data is also indicative of the level of resource consumption and pollution emissions by the transportation sector which, in recent reviews, has been the leading source of greenhouse gasses among all sectors in the United States.
The consumption increase correlates with increase in vehicle miles traveled and confirms earlier reports that the 2016 is on track to break the 2007 record of gasoline consumption.
For precise data, see FHWA's Motor Fuel & Highway Trust Fund.
Related:
- Wall Street Journal, Americans Drive to a New Record in Gasoline Consumption, Sep 7, 2016
- NPR: U.S. Gasoline Use Hits A Record, But That May Not Last, September 2, 2016
Also in Planetizen:
- Americans Continue to Drive More, Reports Federal Highway Administration, August 24, 2016
- Transportation Catching Industry as the Leading Cause of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, July 22, 2016
- A New Era in the U.S.: More Carbon Emissions from Transportation Than Utilities, June 14, 2016
Hat tip to AASHTO Daily Transportation Update
FULL STORY: U.S. Drivers Consumed 71.8 Billion Gallons of Gasoline in First Half of 2016
Over $14 Million Awarded to Eight Projects to Find Alternatives to Gas Taxes
The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding ways to transition from the gas tax to other user-based revenue mechanisms to fund transportation infrastructure. The federal gas tax hasn't keep pace with transportation expenditures since 2008.
House Committee Proposes $250 EV Tax
The fee is higher than the average tax paid by gas-powered vehicle owners.
USDOT Repeals Emissions Monitoring Rule
A Biden-era regulation required states to report and plan to reduce transportation-related emissions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)