Maybe we're not really addicted to our cars. A story in today's Bee by business writer Bethany Clough reports that gasoline sales dropped last year in car-obsessed California for the first time since 1992.
This is from Bethany's story: "Californians bought 112 million fewer gallons from April to December 2006 than during the same period the year before. In February, the most recent month for which figures are available, the state's drivers bought 2.5% less gasoline than in February 2006."
The state Board of Equalization tracks gas sales because it collects the state's 18-cents-a-gallon excise tax. The experts say that while the drop is small, it's significant. They say high gas prices have changed driving habits in the Golden State.
The numbers show drivers are making changes, such as consolidating trips, car pooling and buying more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to agency spokeswoman Anita Gore.
Unfortunately, the trend is different nationally, with gasoline consumption on the rise. Calfiornia prices are much higher than in most other states. When gas prices hit California levels in other states, motorists there will begin changing their driving habits.
Now maybe the oil companies will have to rethink their price-gouging strategies. There appears to be a price ceiling in California -- at least for some drivers. So when prices hit $3 and more a gallon, many began cutting back on their driving.
The high prices changed things in our household. Last summer, after growing sick of the high prices and following the news that there were problems with the U.S. oil field in Alaska, that week we started shopping for a Prius hybrid vehicle to replace one of our two fuel-inefficient vehicles. Now we drive the Prius whenever we can. Even though we have a larger family, when we have to replace our other vehicle, we're considering getting another Prius instead of another larger vehicle. If we have to, taking two Priuses to transport all of us might be better than driving the minivan we use now.
Have any of the hybrid owners done the math to find out where the break even point on these things are. Is it true that replacing the battery in five years will be upwards of $3000 and contribute to hazardous waste. An article I read stated that three times the pollution is generated making one of these than for a hummer.I wouldn't be so quick to give yourself a gold star.
That article you are referring to relied on a very questionable study, Brian. When someone tries to tell you that burning more fuel is a good thing, your B.S. alarm should be going off.
Mike, all studies are questionable based on the bias of those involved. Do hybrid owners think that these things are made from lawn clippings?
Some studies are more questionable than others. Did you take a look at the assumptions used in the study you cited? If you think all surveys are biased, and just pick the ones that match your own bias, you might as well not bother citing any studies or research at all. Nothing would matter but opinions.