From November to April, U.S. drivers have cut back 30 billion miles compared with the previous year (2007). This year alone, driving has declined by 20 billion miles.
The reduced miles means less funding for the federal Highway Trust Fund, which receives 18.4 cents per gallon of gas and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel fuel sold in the country.
That's only on the federal level, boys n girls. The state taxes vary widely, but generally average about 22 cents per gallon in all
Grand total: gub'mint receives 40 - 44 cents per every gallon of fuel purchased. Compare that to the average big, evil oil company profit of 9 cents per every gallon of fuel purchased, and ask yourself: "Who is it that needs to be investigated??"
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In related news, the Exxon/Mobile Oil Company says it is selling off it's ownership in 2,200 retail gasoline stations. The global oil giant says there's too little profit in selling gasoline.
If you don't believe them, go down the street to your local, neighborhood 'mom n pop' convenience / gas store and ask 'em if they're getting rich selling $4 / gal. gas. Go on. Ask 'em. You won't have to wait too long for the howls of laughter.
In all, more than 12,000 stations carry the Exxon Mobil brands, but they are owned independently by families or other companies. They'll still buy ExxonMobil gas — and pay to use the names.
