Southern drivers stung most by fuel costs: report

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Southern drivers stung most by fuel costs: report Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Reuters -- WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Drivers in the South have been hit hardest by soaring U.S. gasoline costs and state governments there should take more steps to help cut fuel consumption, said a report released on Tuesday. Average motorists in Mississippi spent nearly 8 percent of their incomes on gasoline in 2007 and drivers in South Carolina and Georgia spent more than 7 percent, according to the report released on Tuesday by environmental group the Natural Resources Defense Council.
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	Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Reuters -- WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Drivers in the South have been hit hardest by soaring U.S. gasoline costs and state governments there should take more steps to help cut fuel consumption, said a report released on Tuesday. Average motorists in Mississippi spent nearly 8 percent of their incomes on gasoline in 2007 and drivers in South Carolina and Georgia spent more than 7 percent, according to the report released on Tuesday by environmental group the Natural Resources Defense Council. Visit Reuters for full article

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armstrmb Champion Author Houston Posts:1,930 Points:438,285 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 12:41:30 PM	Ignore armstrmb Report Abuse
	Headline: World ends tomorrow -- Women and Children hurt most
Hobby001 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:626 Points:180,995 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 11:00:00 AM	Ignore Hobby001 Report Abuse
	Carbon footprint arguments are a crock; or worse, they are discrimination against the less fortunate, i.e. poor people. These rich people have their wasteful mansions and justify the high, wasteful energy usage by preaching that buying "carbon offsets" makes it OK. WASTE is WASTE! If the energy wasted by the gigantic mansions was reduced, others in their practical houses could use that energy instead and reduce the overall GHG emissions. Is there anyone out there who can reduce this wasteful energy use at these mansions (Gore's in Tennessee, Arnold's in California, Kennedy's in Massachusetts and Florida, Edwards in North Carolina, Bush's in Maine, etc.)? Reduce WASTE.
RC_RACER Champion Author Tacoma Posts:1,016 Points:231,275 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 10:40:36 AM	Ignore RC_RACER Report Abuse
	That makes me feel much better, guess i don't have it bad at all. I am really tired of grabbing my ankles.
Roo08 Veteran Author Grand Rapids Posts:386 Points:40,650 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 10:15:52 AM	Ignore Roo08 Report Abuse
	Gore a small carbon footprint????!!!!! Where did you hear that? Have you heard how much his new mansion is costing in energy alone? He had to make it all green because he was getting so much flack. The only problem is now that it's green it uses even more energy. He and "green" are such a crock. Don't even get me started on how he is shoving this "inconvenient Truth" down our kids throats in our paid by us schools against our will or what it costs for him to private jet around the country and world. He's the biggest hypocrite of them all.
Don20 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,324 Points:974,230 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:54:43 AM	Ignore Don20 Report Abuse
	It is high for everyone..
jeepster23 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,062 Points:333,790 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:47:27 AM	Ignore jeepster23 Report Abuse
	Neil Young is behind this.
DFleming Veteran Author Alberta Posts:352 Points:73,420 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:46:47 AM	Ignore DFleming Report Abuse
	That's true that it's been worse in the Northern Central States longer, but the per capita income is much lower in the Southern States like Mississippi so people there are spending a higher percentage of their income on fuel.
eaglechick Rookie Author Richmond Posts:49 Points:24,335 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:39:21 AM	Ignore eaglechick Report Abuse
	One like Gore that is so aware of the environment has to become one with the atmosphere. What better way than fly!
AuburnTim Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,169 Points:332,920 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:38:47 AM	Ignore AuburnTim Report Abuse
	Boo hoo if they think its bad there come to Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois....These areas have been higher than the south all along .
NissanGirl Veteran Author Oregon Posts:258 Points:142,710 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:37:57 AM	Ignore NissanGirl Report Abuse
	I agree EarlyMoose. I like feeling safe in my truck versus economical in a tin can. It is the rule of the lug nuts: He who has the most shall triumph in battle.
bauerboy Sophomore Author Seattle Posts:155 Points:291,400 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:36:55 AM	Ignore bauerboy Report Abuse
	But Gore has such a small carbon footprint from what I heard.
eaglechick Rookie Author Richmond Posts:49 Points:24,335 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:36:05 AM	Ignore eaglechick Report Abuse
	Plus, if those are last years numbers, I might get sick to my stomach over the percentages for the first half of this year.
HockeyLady Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,106 Points:896,610 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:35:30 AM	Ignore HockeyLady Report Abuse
	And Al Gore in TN has his private plane.... If you make less, as a lot of folks down south do, the gas is a high perentage of you r$
JB1881 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:1,453 Points:361,985 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:32:54 AM	Ignore JB1881 Report Abuse
	Are we in the US or the USSR if someone can afford to grive a Hummer let them. I would personally own one but this is a freedom issue. Just like all the other nanny state things like Mandatory seat belts, motorcycle helmets, byclcle hemets, no smoking in private businesses, ect.
EarlyMoose Champion Author Seattle Posts:1,707 Points:664,440 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:32:31 AM	Ignore EarlyMoose Report Abuse
	First, I agree the south is hit pretty hard especially because they use a big portion of their income on gas because wages are generally lower. Second, give up the SUV? Have to disagree because an SUV saved my life in AL two days ago as some young kid rear ended us (we were stopped, he has going 25-35 and never hit his brakes.) I'll take being alive over spending more on gas. [Edited by: EarlyMoose at 7/24/2008 10:33:27 AM EST]
UTOrangeMan Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,875 Points:188,825 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:32:26 AM	Ignore UTOrangeMan Report Abuse
	Delta is ready when you are.
tz2001 Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:108 Points:210,900 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:31:57 AM	Ignore tz2001 Report Abuse
	... And the rich folks keep flying their private jets and the rich folks keep driving their private yachts and the rich folks ... Sux to be middle-class, get over it. [Edited by: tz2001 at 7/24/2008 10:34:19 AM EST]
woos777 Champion Author Washington Posts:1,415 Points:630,555 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:31:38 AM	Ignore woos777 Report Abuse
	I can see why, with long drives to work
platypus1926 Sophomore Author Georgia Posts:103 Points:178,610 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:31:08 AM	Ignore platypus1926 Report Abuse
	In Georgia, we have a very rich governor and he doesn't know what's going on in the state. He lied to get into office and is still telling lies!! He would NEVER drop states taxes on gasoline because it would mess up his life style.....damn I need to move North!!!
PokerAce Champion Author Louisiana Posts:1,252 Points:256,330 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:30:48 AM	Ignore PokerAce Report Abuse
	bluebird1.... it's a percentage of depressed pay sort of thing.... but I do agree it's depressing all over....
eaglechick Rookie Author Richmond Posts:49 Points:24,335 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:30:03 AM	Ignore eaglechick Report Abuse
	It's easy to spend a large percentage of income on gas when you don't make much income in the first place. I believe California had the highest prices, but they have the "luxury" of higher average incomes as well.
Wolfwings All-Star Author Delaware Posts:702 Points:227,160 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:28:32 AM	Ignore Wolfwings Report Abuse
	And the rich folks keep on driving their HUMMERS. Why not re-institute controls on BUYING gasd?
Chazzer Champion Author Nevada Posts:7,876 Points:1,690,085 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:27:34 AM	Ignore Chazzer Report Abuse
	They are not the only ones stung!
bluebird1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:7,142 Points:1,458,050 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:27:34 AM	Ignore bluebird1 Report Abuse
	I think all of us Cdns would take exception to this.....and even Alaska wonders where this comes from, as I believe recent article states they have take over the price lead for the US. No one in the south is suffering $6 (now just under) /gal Cdn prices.
siouxbear Champion Author Ontario Posts:6,339 Points:503,210 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:26:28 AM	Ignore siouxbear Report Abuse
	prices are high all over
tz2001 Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:108 Points:210,900 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:24:55 AM	Ignore tz2001 Report Abuse
	imnohero, If it's mixed with 15% gasoline then it's not drinkable. That would lead to a lot of boring Friday nights.
imnohero Sophomore Author Detroit Posts:172 Points:26,965 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:23:17 AM	Ignore imnohero Report Abuse
	Isn't it called E85 tz2001 ?
Lonewolftx Champion Author Houston Posts:5,513 Points:1,084,435 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:22:41 AM	Ignore Lonewolftx Report Abuse
	Lowest income folks in the USA, but they must still drive a lot anyway . . .
roadkillGA Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,049 Points:102,790 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:22:40 AM	Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse
	Watch what you say, the SCLC and Push on.org will be claiming that minorities should be given federal assistance.
tz2001 Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:108 Points:210,900 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:20:55 AM	Ignore tz2001 Report Abuse
	There should be plenty of moonshine to power their vehicles.
BrianGriffin Veteran Author Victoria Posts:449 Points:44,935 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:19:51 AM	Ignore BrianGriffin Report Abuse
	Where is that?
SlugBuggy Sophomore Author Colorado Springs Posts:173 Points:90,085 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:18:58 AM	Ignore SlugBuggy Report Abuse
	Not too surprised...the South has always been a somewhat impoverished area of the States.
eaglev All-Star Author Oklahoma City Posts:778 Points:292,545 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:18:57 AM	Ignore eaglev Report Abuse
	Check the Geo Political Map They are red states. the bluebloods in DC are happy it is making them mad and costing more. When it gets cold they will be pushing for subsidies for heating oil, which the blue states use!
kevski Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,154 Points:157,745 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:17:59 AM	Ignore kevski Report Abuse
	those who can't afford get screwed the most
FizedNH Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:1,076 Points:205,035 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:17:29 AM	Ignore FizedNH Report Abuse
	Why...gas is cheaper down there?
SeerLV Veteran Author Las Vegas Posts:387 Points:99,765 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:16:51 AM	Ignore SeerLV Report Abuse
	Folks down there make less to begin with.
SpruceGuse2 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,513 Points:821,550 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:15:39 AM	Ignore SpruceGuse2 Report Abuse
	Now if they had real jobs.................................
good2goVA Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:105 Points:51,315 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:14:22 AM	Ignore good2goVA Report Abuse
	Take a look at the Gas Price Temperatur Map. The Southern states are either yellow or green. Personally, I think it is probably comparable with the prices out West. Folks in the South use trucks for hauling not for show but I think everyone is cutting back on the amount of traveling that all are doing.
Hobby001 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:626 Points:180,995 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:12:54 AM	Ignore Hobby001 Report Abuse
	Read the full article and recognize that the NRDC spokesperson is a lobbyist for mass transit.
t4204life Champion Author Ohio Posts:4,087 Points:812,110 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:12:16 AM	Ignore t4204life Report Abuse
	if DC would stop spending more than they bring in,gas would be cheaper.
amacquarrie Sophomore Author Nevada Posts:219 Points:54,380 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:10:24 AM	Ignore amacquarrie Report Abuse
	ever hear of car pooling???
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:8,790 Points:677,785 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:09:32 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	Look at the Gas Price Temperature Map - gasoline is the highest in the West Coast states, upper Great Lakes, Chicago, Miami, and New York and certain parts of New England. Then you can talk about high gas prices!!!! TigerRose that was at 7/24/2008 6:55:47 - Thank You....
TigerRose Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,736 Points:1,464,310 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:06:09 AM	Ignore TigerRose Report Abuse
	also, no1lakersfam has pretty much hit the nail on the head too. yes, I think you are right in what you posted 7/24/2008 8:53:41 Thank You
Brn2bEvl All-Star Author New York Posts:632 Points:140,600 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:03:42 AM	Ignore Brn2bEvl Report Abuse
	Them hicks in the south need to stop driving to buy beer.
njteech Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,198 Points:1,115,360 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:02:00 AM	Ignore njteech Report Abuse
	Mass transit rideship is way up here in the northeast.....it is a good thing for those who can partake
lazycar All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:891 Points:179,070 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 9:00:15 AM	Ignore lazycar Report Abuse
	The South like everywhere is feeling the "PINCH" they are just feeling it a bit more!
Brockvillian Veteran Author Ontario Posts:437 Points:277,245 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 8:59:37 AM	Ignore Brockvillian Report Abuse
	I guess I am lucky here. Fuel is 1 percent of my income and I do a lot of traveling (50,000+ Kms).
Dennis783 Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:5,398 Points:1,082,370 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 8:58:21 AM	Ignore Dennis783 Report Abuse
	We don't have rail or buses and everything is spread out here in Western WI too!
emosley007 Veteran Author Raleigh Posts:416 Points:35,750 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 8:56:38 AM	Ignore emosley007 Report Abuse
	I think the southern states pay more because they don't have a rail system like the northern states. And don't forget that everything is so spread out in the southern states can't walk anywhere.
TigerRose Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,736 Points:1,464,310 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 8:55:47 AM	Ignore TigerRose Report Abuse
	dinahf: my theory of what it is, is NOT lack of job opportunities or fewer high paying jobs in the South. You said you haven't researched it, so apparently you are not aware how drivers are, in places like Atlanta, GA [for example] Let me enlighten you: [example Atlanta Georgia] Drivers there typically travel at speeds in excess of 15 mph or more over posted speed limits, at nearly bumper-to-bumper distances. They often commute an hour or so more from home to work every day. Driving on the expressways is absolutely crazy, frequently resulting in pileups of 10 to 15 vehicles or so in any given incident. Southerners in general have little or no clue how to commute less, nor do they care to. Often they spend more time in their vehicles than they do with their families. Small wonder that they are whining about fuel prices when the majority of their lives is centered around using fuel, even though there are much higher prices in say, Chicago, for instance. Don't get me wrong, not knocking Southerners, it is simply their typical lifestyle which is costing them so much. Until they realize how to deal with the gas prices situation as a whole, and learn to make compensations by cutting back on driving,like others are already doing around the country, don't hold your breath for any let-up on their complaints.