Transportation accounts for 24% of energy use in S.C. with 97% - 99% of energy derived from petroleum sources. Every year from 1994 to 2004, consumption of motor fuels per registered vehicle was higher in S.C. than the U.S. average (Table 7). This indicates that S.C. drivers are either driving more, are driving less efficient vehicles, or both. In addition, fuel consumption increases as traffic congestion increases. In S.C., vehicle travel on the state’s roadways has increased ten times faster than additional roadway capacity has been added.

Energy consumption extends, of course, beyond that used for transportation. Table 8 illustrates the types of home heating fuel used in Spartanburg County as compared to peer counties and the state. This data is from 2000, the latest available. Spartanburg does not differ significantly from peer counties or the state on these measures.