Why $8 Gas Would Be Awesome

Less obesity, traffic, and accidents, for starters

(NEWSER) - The rest of the world may have thought it would never happen, but energy prices are beginning to change Americans' behavior. Time notes some positive aspects:

1. Jobs lost to globalization return, because energy costs make international shipping unattractive.
2. Suburban sprawl is slowing as people choose to live closer to cities.
3. Many firms are switching to four-day workweeks—the practice saved Florida's Brevard College $268,000 over a summer session.
4. Less pollution as motorists drive less …
5. …and more frugally, both in how they drive and what they drive.

50% surge in sales south of border

(NEWSER) - Soaring gas prices have Californians and Texans racing for the border and braving drug cartel violence to save some $20 per tank filling up in Mexico. American pumps have passed the $4 mark, but Mexican gas is still just $2.66 a gallon thanks to subsidies intended for poor Mexicans. Americans are buying it up instead, triggering a 50% surge in sales—and Mexican gas shortages, reports the New York Times. More»

Needless idling in turn lanes irks Calif. drivers

(NEWSER) - Though their safety value in heavy traffic isn't disputed, some Californians are starting to see left-turn arrows as a drag on ever-pricier gas and an avoidable threat to the environment, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The California Energy Commission estimates that idling for 2 minutes (often a needless waste of time, some say) uses the same amount of fuel as driving 1 mile. More»

Oil giants like Exxon hike prices, raise rents, covet every penny

(NEWSER) - Feeling sorry for gas station owners might be more than the average consumer can muster these days, but, reports the Washington Post, the emotion might not be misguided. Oil giants like Exxon cut owners' profit margins and raise rents, while micromanaging details down to which shelf franchisees place soda on. If the owner raises the price per gallon a few pennies, Exxon spikes its wholesale price, leaving little room for earnings. More»

Drivers try to get savings any way they can, even if it means slowing down

(NEWSER) - It’s common knowledge that driving a little slower makes more efficient use of gas. And with fuel prices sky-high, some drivers are actually throttling back in hopes of feeling less pain at the pump, the AP reports. Vacation drivers and truckers alike are heeding experts’ advice that cars are most efficient between 30 and 60 mph, and become increasingly inefficient over 65 mph. More»