text: The average American citizen's budget consists mainly of two things, housing, and vehicles.  But during the recession of 2008, there was a decline of about nine percent in average miles driven.  The burden of gas prices and car payments became too much for many unemployed Americans.  But after the recession passed, the decline continued, and may soon accelerate.  The New York Time states that "Demographic shifts in the driving population suggest that the trend may accelerate.  There has been a large drop in the percentage of 16- to 39-year-olds getting a license, while older people are likely to retain their licenses as they age".  If this trend continues, then we have already taken the first step in curbing our greenhouse gas emissions; and by doing so, we may increase the living standards of our citizens who would have more money.  As well as repurposed government funding in other cleaner and faster forms of transportation due to a lesser need in road construction and maintainance.