Petro Reserves

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) won't be receiving any more oil in the coming months. A bill to suspend the diversion of 70,000 barrels of oil a day into the U.S. reserve passed on Tuesday May 13, 2008. Passing with enough votes to avoid a presidential veto the measure will suspend any additions to the SPR until the end of 2008 or until the price per barrel drops to $75. 46 Republicans broke from the Bush Administration and helped pass the bill unanimously with a vote of 92-6. There is still a disagreement, however, of whether or not this suspension will reduce the burden of high gas prices on the consumer. The reality is, 70,000 barrels makes up a very small percentage of the 85 million barrel demand per day worldwide. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

Travel Survey

The National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) will be polling over 1,500 Vermont households over the next year. This 40 year old survey is designed to provide data on the public's use of the transportation system. As an attachment to the national survey, The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and the University of Vermont Transportation Research Center (TRC) have partnered with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to collect more detailed travel data for Vermont. The TRC, among other tasks, will be in charge of providing summary results of the data specific to Vermont as it becomes available. In total the DOT survey will collect travel behavior information from 150,000 households nationwide. Vermont is one of 19 "add-on" areas for this years NHTS. [Source: Burlington Free Press]

U.S. Confrontation & the Price of Oil

If disagreements between the U.S. and Venezuela persist will Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez cut oil exports to the U.S.? Phil Flynn, an analyst with Alaron Trading Corp., says this is more than a possibility. If the OPEC member nation were to cut the U.S. off from direct exports the U.S. would likely still receive Venezuelan oil through middlemen. Nevertheless, oil prices would certainly soar. In the meantime crude oil prices are continuing to rise and break records. $126 a barrel was the new record set on Friday May 9th. As the price per gallon of gasoline in Vermont inches toward $4, the price per barrel of crude oil is tinkering around $125. People in some regions of the U.S. including parts of California are already experiencing gas prices above $4 a gallon. [Source: Washington Post]

Bicycles in the Spotlight

The production of cars often ends up in the American spotlight, but what about the production of bicycles? In 2007 the number of bicycles made worldwide was twice the number of cars. During the 1990's and early 2000's bike production slowed down, but with increased concern for the environment, human health, and the price of driving, bike production is soaring. 130 million bicycles were produced in 2007 compared to the 52 million cars produced. Although biking is still underused for transportation in the U.S. accounting for only 0.9 percent of all trips, U.S. cities are looking to kick this trend and hope to double their bicycle and pedestrian routes in the coming years. In European cities, like Copenhagen, 36 percent of their commuters bike to work. [Source: Earth Policy Institute]

Public Transit: A National Trend

It is no surprise that public transportation ridership continues to rise. In larger metropolitan areas in the northeast where mass transit systems have long been in place ridership has increased by 5 percent. In places like Boston and New York 5 percent is no small number, nevertheless, people in these cities are rather accustomed to public transit. It is the cities in the west and south where people have typically been less likely to get out of their cars that the rise in transit ridership is even more significant - 10 to 15 percent. Public transportation ridership in more rural areas also continues to rise significantly. Stagecoach Transportation that serves Vermont and New Hampshire has seen increases on its predominant commuter routes rise 20 to 50 percent. With these increases Americans will likely consume slightly less gasoline this year than last - the first yearly decline since 1991. [Sources: New York Times & Concord Monitor]

Way to Go!

Way to Go week in Vermont was the way to go. With beautiful weather gracing the Green Mountain State last week, by Wednesday those participating had already reduced green house gas emissions by 200,000 lbs. Although not quite at the goal of 500,000 lbs Vermonters were well on their way at mid week. With over 567 organizations and 2,738 people participating Way to Go participation has increased by leaps and bounds over the years. Way to Go saw an increase of nearly 1,000 people involved this year over last and more than 2,000 more registrants this year than in 2005. Thanks to each of the 2,738 participants it is estimated that 9,640 gallons of gas were saved equaling a savings of approximately $35,000 (based on the average current gas prices). To learn more visit Way to Go. [Sources: Times Argus & Boston Globe]

In Other Vermont Transportation News...

Hybrid NASCAR

Hybrids don't necessarily have to be just gas friendly commuter cars... [Source: UVM Communications]

A Glimpse into Transportation at Large...

Save the Oil Companies
The American Petroleum Institute is determined to brighten the image of oil companies. The institute has announced it will do so with a multimillion-dollar ad campaign over the next few years. [Source: Washington Post]



Grease Thieves
Not long ago businesses had to pay to get rid of waste grease, now they have to protect it from organized crooks. [Source: Biofuels Digest]



Ethanol Brew Kit
Why go to the gas station when you can brew your own ethanol? [Source:Reuters]



Toyota Stock
The world's second largest automaker, Toyota, is seeing profits drop. [Source: Bloomberg]



Tougher Emission Standards
Arizona will toughen tailpipe emission rules. [Source: Arizona Central]

Weekly Petro-Stats

Gas at the Pump, Vermont


This Week (May 7-13) = $3.671/gallon
Last Week (April 30 - May 6) = $3.609/gallon
Last Year (May 1-13) = $2.948/gallon



Crude Oil Futures


This Week (May 7-13) = $124.64/barrel
Last Week (April 30 - May 6) = $116.82/barrel

Oil Investigation

Oil prices continue to break records rising above $115 a barrel just over a week ago. At the same time Exxon Mobil and other giant oil companies are experiencing record profits. Consequently, Vermonters and U.S. citizens nationwide are weary of the rich man getting richer while everyone else suffers at the pump. The call by the Vermont Senate for an investigation by the attorney general into gasoline and diesel market manipulation is the result of this phenomenon and has caused a bit of a spark. With this spark came the dispatch of the American Petroleum Industry's chief economist, John Felmy, to Montpelier to testify against the Senate Resolution. The lead sponsor of the resolution, Robert Starr, D-Essex-Orleans, says states need to come together on this investigation because those in D.C. are too invested in the oil companies. Felmy said he was astonished by this resolution - the first of its kind in the U.S. [Sources: Burlington Free Press 1 & Burlington Free Press 2]

Not Such a Smooth Ride

The Douglas Administration's Operation Smooth Ride has been everything but in the legislative process. The proposal that would put forth $3 million in funds for emergency road repairs has spent some time in the House Transportation Committee. As a result, Neale Lunderville, Transportation Secretary put a hold on priority road repair projects. When first proposed the question was, where is this $3 million coming from? Now the issue is where does this money go? The administration had planned to put the money toward Class 1 town highways, whereas the House Transportation Committee would like to see some of the money go to the towns. Other issues have also surfaced concerning this money and certain bridge projects in the state. In the meantime Vermont roads are in dire need of maintenance. [Source: Burlington Free Press]

Move Over America

The International Energy Agency has reported that emerging markets will consume more crude oil this year than the United States. This is the first time this has ever happened, says the Paris based agency. With a combined population of 2.45 billion people in China and India and an 8 percent growth in their economies car ownership and their demand for oil is on the rise. Russia and the Middle East are also among these emerging markets that are estimated to grow 4.4 percent and consume 20.67 million barrels a day compared to the U.S.'s estimated consumption of 20.38 million barrels a day. Consequently, crude oil prices will likely remain high at an average of $120 a barrel, topping $150 by the end of the decade, regardless of the U.S. economic downturn. [Source: Bloomberg]

The People on the Bus

Transit lines in Vermont are now reporting with confidence that ridership is up due to rising gas prices. Deerfield Valley Transit, the Brattleboro BeeLine, and Connecticut River Transit are just a few of the states' transit providers seeing jumps in ridership. The BeeLine expects their number of riders to hit 70,000 at the end of their 2008 year - a 20,000 rider increase over 2006. Connecticut River Transit has seen a 10 percent increase in both March and April and attributes people getting on the bus to their frustration at the pump. With increased ridership across the board, many of the Green Mountain State's bus companies are looking to better their services in any way possible, which for some means buying more buses, increasing routes, purchasing biodiesel, and most importantly looking for grant money. [Source: The Reformer]

Trail Finder

After two years of hard work, Local Motion, a bicycle, pedestrian, and alternative transport non-profit advocacy organization has launched its Trail Finder website for Chittenden County. The site, underwritten by Burlington's Ski Rack, offers easy access to 75+ trails. With the help of 50 volunteers who collected much of the information for the site, local Vermonters and visitors can now navigate the Trail Finder to retrieve maps, directions, as well as learn about special trail features. This new resource also allows those using it to submit photos and comments on the trails. The site was unveiled on Earth Day, April 22nd, just in time for the late spring early summer weather. Visit the Trail Finder at http://www.localmotion.org/ [Sources: Burlington Free Press & Local Motion]

Clean Cars and More

Burlington's Church Street, although typically only open to foot traffic, saw some vehicles grace its brick walkway on Earth Day. 10% Challenge Alliance for Climate Action in partnership with Vermont Clean Cities Coalition and others hosted its 4th Annual Clean Car (and more) Show on April 22nd. The show consisted of over 25 different vehicles, including a Solar Bus, a Smart Car, a Hydrogen Car, and several others. The show and other activities, drawing attention to initiatives working to reduce the threat of Global Warming, were an interactive way of getting Vermonters and visitors to Burlington involved in thinking about reducing our individual carbon footprints. If you were unable to attend the show view the video here. [Sources: WPTZ & Burlington Free Press]

In Other Vermont Transportation News...

Delayed Rail
With cut backs in funding improvements to the state's rail system will see more delays . [Source: Rutland Herald]



Bernie Attacks Bush
Vermont's Independent Senator, Bernie Sanders, attacked Bush's plan to reduce the use of fossil fuels while addressing Global Warming saying it is 7 years late and not nearly strong enough. [Source: WCAX]



Bike Safely
There are over 750 bicyclist deaths in the U.S. each year, 96% of them involve crashes with motor vehicles. As a result the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition teaches lessons in road safety. [Source: Times Argus]



Telecommunication Awards
Vermont Telecommunications Authority releases its 2008 grant winners... [Source: Burlington Free Press]



Food & Fuel
How food and fuel impact our environment... [Source: Times Argus]



Bellows Falls Transit Center
New Transit Center to be built in Bellows Falls says Connecticut River Transit . [Source: Rutland Herald]



$1 Million for the TRC
UVM Transportation Research Center awarded a million dollars from the Department of Transportation. [Source: Burlington Free Press]

A Glimpse into Transportation at Large...

Going Green
Engineers and designers in several industries including the auto industry will go green piece by piece. [Source: The Detroit News]



55 Years of Oil
Shell Oil Company says it has enough oil to maintain production at current levels for the next 55 years. [Source: Financial Times]



Gas Consumed
Vermonter's consumed 10 gallons of gasoline per person per week in 2006 - where do other states stand and where are we heading? [Source: Oakland Tribune]



Venezuela says...
Food for Fuel is criminal. [Source: Bloomberg]



Railroads are Full Steam Ahead
Rail is on the rise. [Source: Washington Post]



Suspend the Gas Tax?
Clinton and McCain see eye to eye on suspending the federal gas tax this summer. Obama, however, firmly opposes this proposal. What do you think? [Source: New York Times]

Weekly Petro-Stats

Gas at the Pump, Vermont

This Week (April 23-29) = $3.398/gallon
Last Week (April 15-22) = $3.421/gallon
Last Year (April 23- 30) = $2.860/gallon



Crude Oil Futures

This Week (April 23-29) = $117.45/barrel
Last Week (April 15-22) = $116.19/barrel

Oil Prices to Remain High

The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently reported that petroleum sales are likely to fall this year, but costs will remain high. With a slowing economy and high fuel costs the EIA report says the consumption of liquid fuels will drop by approximately 85,000 barrels per day. Nevertheless, the price per barrel will likely average $101 for the 2008 year - a price $7 higher than last month's outlook. Gas at the pump is said to be $3.54 a gallon on average this summer, with the possibility of prices hitting $4 a gallon in California and the Midwest. [Source: Energy Information Administration]

Big Oil

Despite hard economic times and rising fuel prices Big Oil companies are making record profits. Consequently, the Vermont State Senate has called on Attorney General William Sorrell to begin a criminal investigation of major oil companies. Not knowing where the investigation may go, Sorrel is looking to find evidence of possible price-fixing, consumer fraud, or other unlawful activity. Exxon Mobil Corp. made a record $40 billion last year, while Roland Bellavance, head of a Barre trucking company and president of the Vermont Truck and Bus Association has said his company is spending $1.5 million more this year to fuel his fleet. The senate resolution also calls for Sorrel to partner with other states in this investigation. [Source: Burlington Free Press]