SEATTLE — A new report finds that drivers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho used 180 million fewer gallons of gasoline between 2007 and 2008, the largest drop since 1980.
Seattle-based Sightline Institute says high gas prices played a role in the reduction, but it’s not unusual. Per-capita gas consumption has been dropping in the past decade and is at its lowest level since 1965.
The report says Northwest drivers consumed, on average, 7.4 gallons of gasoline per person per week in 2008. That’s less than the year before and about 10 percent below the national average.
Experts at the nonprofit think-tank say drivers are buying more fuel-efficient cars and choosing public transportation.
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