When gas rose past $2/gallon, it was no problem for many because, after adjusted for inflation, it was still reasonably priced. Even as it passed $3/gallon it elicited more complaints than changes in behavior, but that is all changing with $4/gallon (or more) gasoline. I think it's fair to presume that the changes we're seeing in lifestyle -- including more carpooling, rising interest in public transportation and walking/bicycling -- will also have a profound effect on where people choose to live. Hello, urban infill! From a USA Today story:
As prices near — or in some places top — $4 a gallon, most Americans say they are cutting back on other household spending, seriously considering buying more fuel-efficient cars and consolidating their daily errands to save fuel.
Americans worry that steep gas costs are here to stay: eight in 10 say they doubt today's high prices are temporary, the poll finds. It's the first time such a large majority sees pricey gas as a long-term problem.
The $4 mark, compounded by a sagging economy, could be a tipping point that spurs people to make permanent lifestyle changes to reduce dependence on foreign oil and help the environment, says Steve Reich, a program director at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida...
The average price of a gallon of gas nationwide is $3.65 — the highest ever, adjusted for inflation. California's average: $3.90 a gallon. The federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects a $3.66 per-gallon average this summer...
February was the fourth consecutive month in which miles driven in the USA fell, an analysis of Federal Highway Administration data show. There hasn't been a similar decline since 1979, when shortages created long lines at pumps...The decline, while small, is significant because the U.S. population and number of households, drivers and vehicles grow by 1% to 2% a year...
In 2004 and 2005, about one-third of Americans said they cut spending because of rising gas prices. In the new poll, 60% say they are trimming other expenses. Half of households with incomes below $20,000 say they face severe hardships because of soaring gas prices. Three-fourths of households making $75,000 or more also are changing how they use their cars...
Most of those polled expect things to get worse: 54% say they expect gas prices to reach $6 a gallon in the next five years.
For now, they are rethinking the ways they get around, where they buy a home and what they do for fun.
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