Less Guzzling

This is wonderful news, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that US consumers drove 12.2 billion miles fewer in June 2008 than in June 2007. This is a 4.7% decrease in consumption. The site claims a 400 million gallon drop in consumption of gas and 318 million fewer gallons of diesel.

Here's hoping that July will break the 5% mark.

I am so happy.

Americans are doing what needs to be done. We are re-assessing our gas guzzling ways. We are getting fuel efficient vehicles.

Consumers now want smaller, efficient cars. The market just accomplished one of the great aspirations of the political pundits. It is increasing the efficiency of the American fleet.

The downside for the DOT is that the dramatic drop in consumption of fuel means a dramatic drop in tax revenue. (The site fails to mention that fewer miles driven and lighter cars decrease the stress on the highway infrastructure, which should decrease their costs). Regardless, we probably need an increase in the gas tax to continue maintaining our roads.

Anyway, I applaud the conservation efforts of Americans. Learning to make the most efficient use of our resources makes us stronger as a people. Conservation, alternative energy and wise use of our energy resources is the path to prosperity.

Heating prices are likely to be wicked this upcoming winter. I hope that all Americans invest some of their ingenuity this Fall in coming up with ways to decrease their heating bills.