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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Down To Earth

Washington and Oregon gasoline consumption makes a decline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's a fascinating report from Sightline called "Shifting In Reverse" that says high prices are lessening the appetite for gasoline in Washington and Oregon as residents are indeed using less. However, it's not just the cost at the pump. Social and technological changes as well as shifts in driving behavior are behind the trend.

From the report:

-In 2011, per capita gasoline use in Oregon and Washington fell to its lowest level in nearly 50 years. Washington residents now consumer 7.3 gallons per week, while Oregonians use 7.1 gallons per week.

- Personal vehicle travel on state-owned roads has fallen 13 percent over the past decade—a real shift in our relationship with our cars. Young Americans saw the biggest decrease.

- Gains in vehicle efficiency played only a small role in the decline in gas consumption. Despite higher fuel economy standards, the real-world MPG of the US fleet has only risen risen slightly over the last ten years.

After the jump, check out a cool infographic from Sightline asking "Is the Northwest breaking its addiction to gasoline?"



Down To Earth

The DTE blog is committed to reporting and sharing environmental news and sustainability information from across the Inland Northwest.