Efficiency of fuel consumption in the U. S. transportation sector 1960-1977

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · Mater. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5972966

Kelter, D F

It is often assumed that the U.S. transportation sector is a wasteful user of petroleum. However, waste is secondary to the issue of an efficiently operating sector because waste is only a cost to be incurred. Economic efficiency requires that goods be allocated according to their price. Two methods were used to analyze how efficiently the transportation sector has operated over time. First, econometric models for the transportation sector were developed to determine the importance of price and other factors in influencing consumption. Secondly, two groups were formed comprising respectively the ten highest-fuel and ten lowest-fuel consumption per capita states. A comparison between the two groups, in terms of price and consumption, over time revealed the ability of price to allocate consumption. The results of both analyses are strongly favorable and suggest that the issue of waste is over-emphasized in the U.S. transportation sector.

• Research Organization: The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
• OSTI ID: 5972966
• Journal Information: Mater. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 6:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
PETROLEUM
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
FUEL CONSUMPTION
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
EVALUATION
MANAGEMENT
OPERATING COST
PRICES
COST
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
320200* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Transportation
291000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Conservation