DE oil vulnerability ranks below NJ and Pa

A new report from the Natural Resource Defense Council compared examined the amount of income drivers spend on gas to determine which states are most vulnerable to a dramatic increase in gas prices.

A new report from the Natural Resource Defense Council examined the amount of income drivers spend on gas to determine which states are most vulnerable to a dramatic increase in gas prices. Delaware drivers had the highest percentage in the region, spending more than five percent of their income on gas. That equals nearly $2,200 every year spent on gas per driver. Drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey spent about 4.5% of their income on gas every year, which ranks both states among the lowest in the nation.

The report also graded the states on how many measures they’ve taken to reduce oil consumption.  Pennsylvania and New Jersey both ranked in the top ten for doing the most to reduce consumption.  Delaware, on the other hand, came in at the middle of the pack, at number 28.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey also performed well in categories including vehicle emission standards and coordinating “smart growth” development.

The report says the failure of some states to take action to reduce oil dependence “exacerbates the national security and environmental harms associated with” the nation’s current transportation habits.

You can find the complete nationwide rankings and read the report in its entirety by clicking here.