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Idaho, Northwest drivers using less gasoline

Regional gas consumption decline is largest drop since 1980

By Cynthia Sewell - cmsewell@idahostatesman.com

Published: 07/01/09


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Idaho, Washington and Oregon drivers cut back their per-capita gasoline consumption by 5 percent in 2008. Total gasoline consumption in the three Northwest states fell about 180 million gallons between 2007 and 2008, the largest drop since 1980, according to "Northwesterners Driving Less," a new report by Seattle-based Sightline Institute, a nonprofit think-tank.

Idaho's per capita gasoline consumption in 2008 was 7.5 gallons per person per week, a nearly 10 percent decrease from 2007. The national average is 8.2 gallons.

The state's total gasoline consumption in 2008 was 592 million gallons, an 8.5 percent drop from 2007.

Idahoans may be saving money by driving less or driving more fuel-efficient vehicles, but it is costing the state. Idaho's fuel tax revenue is down $18 million, about 8 percent, so far this year.

Sightline researcher Roger Valdez attributed the declines to several factors: "People recognize that high prices last year weren't an exception, and we're likely to see more of the same in the future; as a result, they're buying more fuel efficient cars and choosing to take public transportation."

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