Feelings of success then will be associated with reduction in energy use, and the negative aspects of conservation can be minimized. Nearly all the energy for transportation comes from petroleum, an increasingly scarce resource. Because nearly half of our oil is imported, its availability and price are determined in large part by others. Drastic efforts to reduce the use of petroleum products will decrease our dependence on foreign countries and help to control the cost of energy. Transportation needs and alternatives differ freatley for urban, suburban, and rural dwellers.
Mass transit is likely to be available in urban areas.
For some suburbs, limited public transportation may be a possibility. Private means of transpotation ar depended on heavily in rural areas. No matter what alternatives are available, a very large fraction of transportation energy is used by private autos. Shifting to a smaller, lighter car with improved gas mileage will reduce the energy consumed and the cost of operation. Furthermore, controlling the number of miles that each car is driven will contribute to conservation.