[HoosierRon]

California Gasoline Consumption Declining

California consumed 4.5% less gasoline, including aviation gas, in January 2008 than in January 2007, according to figures released by the State Board of Equalization (BOE).
...
For all of 2007, Californians used 0.97% less gasoline compared to the previous year. Californians used a total of 15.672 billion gallons of gasoline for the twelve months of 2007—a decline of 153 million gallons from the total of 15.825 billion gallons for the calendar year 2006. Gasoline consumption in the state has now fallen for two years in a row.

 

[genjy]

Prius

 

[megeebee]

Interesting.

But look at that huge spike since 2000.

(Escalade/ Navigator?)

 

[rozz]

Interesting.

But look at that huge spike since 2000.

(Escalade/ Navigator?)

Interesting indeed. It does look logical from the graphic.

Maybe the commuters in the L.A. area packin heats might also be a factor. One less motorist on the road each day. Hehehe. J/K! Please don't crucify me.

 

[mgescuro]

Interesting.

But look at that huge spike since 2000.

(Escalade/ Navigator?)

I would say it's partly the Escalade/Navigator/Range Rover/QX. Not to mention an explosion in population in Central California, which is where the large trucks are sold.
There is also the increase in hourly flights between the Bay Area and the LA airports on Southwest, JetBlue, and Ted.
This also coincides with the latter half of the Dot-Com Bubble. Post 2002, you'll see it tapering off, which coincides with the Dot-Com Bust.

Fuel awareness increase started around 2004-05. So we do see that corresponding drop. Plus, that also coincides with an increase in gas prices in the 2003-04 area. This also coincides with record ridership in public transportation both in the SF Bay Area and LA area.

The graph makes sense. Plus the approval of CA-HSR will most likely further lower gas consumption. And that's really a good thing for the state.

 

[vsd]

Interesting.

But look at that huge spike since 2000.

(Escalade/ Navigator?)

Remember how cheap gas was before GWB moved into the White house? It was less than $1 a gallon in 1999. That led to the huge popularity of suv's, and my guess is that goods that were once shipped by train, started being shipped by truck leading to the increase.

 

[MisterMe]

... and my guess is that goods that were once shipped by train, started being shipped by truck leading to the increase.

That would be a hugely wrong guess. Trucks and trains serve fundamentally different roles. Their roles have not changed in any significant way for decades.

 

[mgescuro]

Remember how cheap gas was before GWB moved into the White house? It was less than $1 a gallon in 1999. That led to the huge popularity of suv's, and my guess is that goods that were once shipped by train, started being shipped by truck leading to the increase.

$1 gallon in 1999?? I doubt that. Maybe in your area. But not mine. Maybe $1.99.

Train and truck shipping are really different. Train does the long distance shipping, for the most part. Trucks do the "last mile" journey. That hasn't changed in at least a century.

Trucks are also diesel.

 

[driver]

It's probably because people are moving out of California because it's too expensive to live there.

 

[vsd]

$1 gallon in 1999?? I doubt that. Maybe in your area. But not mine. Maybe $1.99.

Train and truck shipping are really different. Train does the long distance shipping, for the most part. Trucks do the "last mile" journey. That hasn't changed in at least a century.

Trucks are also diesel.

Gas prices in San Francisco are more erratic in other places according to the chart on this site http://www.sanfrangasprices.com/retail_price_chart.aspx (click on 6 years). Looks like prices didn't hit $1.50 gal/reg in SF until August 2002. They were even cheaper in SF in 1999.

Truck shipping is faster, and more convenient. You don't think that with $1/gal gas across the state didn't cause any shipping to move from trains to faster trucks?

 

[Kennyboy]

With the increase of gas prices in recent years, coupled with more of an environmental awareness, more people are conscious about the environment. During the 1990's when gas prices were cheap and the generation Y's disdain of minivans, SUVs became popular. Then G.W. got in the office and many liberal-minded people had an awakening. 9-11 and the war in Iraq, caused many people to rebel against the establishment. Buying a Prius and using public transportation is just a way at getting back at the adminstration.

That, and poor people can't afford the high gas prices.

 

[mgescuro]

It's probably because people are moving out of California because it's too expensive to live there.

Sounds plausible... if it weren't for the fact CA's population has continued to increase since the turn of the century.... and increased again last year too by 1.4%.

 

[mgescuro]

Gas prices in San Francisco are more erratic in other places according to the chart on this site http://www.sanfrangasprices.com/retail_price_chart.aspx (click on 6 years). Looks like prices didn't hit $1.50 gal/reg in SF until August 2002. They were even cheaper in SF in 1999.

What's so "erratic" about the 6 year chart? Looks cyclical to me.

Also... I downloaded data from 2000, and created a quick Excel chart.
Y-Axis is in cents.

 

[YupYupYup]

Remember how cheap gas was before GWB moved into the White house? It was less than $1 a gallon in 1999. That led to the huge popularity of suv's, and my guess is that goods that were once shipped by train, started being shipped by truck leading to the increase.

Yeah, and since "GWB" entered the U.S. has had to think about becoming more environmentally friendly. I always love when the same people who bitch about the environment turn around and complain about gas prices. Higher gas prices will force a drop in demand, thus saving the environment. Simple supply and demand. Therefore they should be happy with GWB, and not the previous administrator who, by some comments on here, basically promoted the building of gas-guzzling SUVs through cheap gas.

BTW, it really has more to do with the increase in demand for fuel from China and India as to why gas has shot up. These countries are requiring more and more for internal use and shipping goods around the world. Add in the OPEC monopoly and that is why gas prices are higher. Supply and demand and a little manipulation from outside the U.S.

Then G.W. got in the office and many liberal-minded people had an awakening. 9-11 and the war in Iraq, caused many people to rebel against the establishment. Buying a Prius and using public transportation is just a way at getting back at the adminstration.

And then those same "rebellious" people voted GWB back in wtih a 12 million vote margin...Highest he ever had.

 

[EatonISgay]

With the increase of gas prices in recent years, coupled with more of an environmental awareness, more people are conscious about the environment. During the 1990's when gas prices were cheap and the generation Y's disdain of minivans, SUVs became popular. Then G.W. got in the office and many liberal-minded people had an awakening. 9-11 and the war in Iraq, caused many people to rebel against the establishment. Buying a Prius and using public transportation is just a way at getting back at the adminstration.

That, and poor people can't afford the high gas prices.

Nobody went and bought a ***** prius or is riding a stupid bus to get back at G.W. Bush. Sorry, but thats the dumbest thing I have ever read. You were on the right track with that last statement. Folks in CA are broke. This blaming Bush for everything crap BTW, is getting old. The guy signs bills into law, congress makes legislation. The president can suggest a direction and thats it. Blame congress if your going to blame anything. Interestly there approval rating is lower than GW's.

Are we now suppose to model ourselves after the looney tunes out on the left coast? The land of fruits and nuts. Whats the point of this topic and how come, since HoosierRon posted it, is there no mention of ethanol? Have we given up on that? Whats next? Why don't we use lumber for fuel, maybe we can drive the price of that up.

California is as liberal of a state as you can get. Let's look at what the lovely left has managed to do:

-housing costs through the roof.
-Illegals every where.
-Hospitals, schools going broke and overcrowded.
-Budget deficits almost every year.
-Insane number of gasoline blends inflating gas prices.
-Congested highways.
-Ridiculous gun laws, preventing law abiding citizens from protecting themselves.
- lower gas consumption.
-And on and on. That last one is certainly important. Good job Cali. (sarcasm)

Not to mention people are leaving that state faster than they went in during the gold rush. My state - east coast, is even running "come to California" ads. Funny thing is they don't show a single hispanic or speak any spanish in the things. Sorry, but every time I go out there its all I see and hear. Thats not a racist comment either, thats just fact. If gas consumption goes up I could care less. Supply and demand. If more people want it who am I to say thats bad. Cuz a polar bear is affected? When I see some real proof the sky is falling then I will worry about it. I got news for you that polar bear your so worried about doesn't give a damn about you. He would eat you in a split second.

Please california don't export your insanity. I like my life just the way it is.

 

[genjy]

Nobody went and bought a ***** prius or is riding a stupid bus to get back at G.W. Bush.

But, according to GMI, all Californians drive a Prius.


Prius

 

[milton112c]

I don't see it as any of that. I would believe this is simple economics. The big increase in gasoline was from abundantely cheap gas, which led to more and more SUVs and big V8 motors. Gas was at 1.50 a gallon in 2002, therefore it would only cost 40 bucks to fill a big SUV up. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a massive rise in gas prices, which explains the dip in that year. After things had started to return to normal, gas prices fell and useage increased again. Since May 2006, gas has averaged above 2.30 a gallon, and has been increasing ever since. Therefore the demand has been dropping ever since. The answer is a fundamental in economics. As the price increases, consumers buy less.

 

[mgescuro]

Folks in CA are broke.

Our per capita income says otherwise.
Average regional income says otherwise.

-housing costs through the roof.

Proportional to income.

-Illegals every where.

Comparable to say.... Texas or Florida or New Mexico....

-Hospitals, schools going broke and overcrowded.

Nope. Try again.

-Budget deficits almost every year.

That would be this year.

-Insane number of gasoline blends inflating gas prices.

I'll give you that one.

-Congested highways.

38 million people in the state can certainly do that to the roads. What do you expect the state to do? Build 15 lane freeways??

-Ridiculous gun laws, preventing law abiding citizens from protecting themselves.[/QUOTE
We follow federal gun laws. San Francisco led the charge for tougher gun laws because of the gun massacre at 101 California. Look it up.

- lower gas consumption.

More people.... lower gas consumption.... lower power consumption too... that certainly says something about the largest state in the country.

Not to mention people are leaving that state faster than they went in during the gold rush.

38,000,000 people in teh state. 1.5% increase over last year.
Get your facts right.

I think you need to lower your meds.... or take more.... not sure which just yet...

 

[F14CRAZY]

sweet, more for the rest of us

 

[gardnet1]

Price of gas has nothing to do with the Bush administration. It is lack of new refineries; rapid growth in China, India and other 3rd World Countries and the weakening of the dollar verses foreign currencies.

Supply and demand is already starting to run its' course as it did in the late 70's. People are downsizing vehicles, buying more fuel efficient models, driving less and carpooling/public transportation. Maybe we as a country will ride bikes more and get back into shape.

So go do your part and buy a Focus/Aveo/Vibe or hybrid Malibu/Escape/Mariner/Tahoe. You can hum the Star Spangled Banner as you spend you Economic Stimulus Check.