Energy Consumption and the Economy

MYTH: California is believed to be one of the highest consumers of energy in the country.
FACT: California is ranked number 2 as one of the lowest consumers of energy in the United States.

However, Texas, being the largest consumer of energy, most of it being Industrial, with its powerplants and factories, is never brought up in a conversation concerning energy consumption. This does not anger me. It amuses me. Where does this "stereotype" come from?

I wonder what would happen to the economy if Texas and California were to switch spots on the graph? Would the economy boost or deflate. Obviously, with inflation occuring in the country this very minute, with gas in Texas nearly $4.25 per gallon, and a gallon of milk nearly $6.oo, we're all headed for an economic downfall. Which... isn't good for the least bit.

Surely there is something we can do. Instead of everyone griping and complaining about the economy, we should demand a change from the government, and change the situation that is causing most of us to suffer. It's not cheap to live these days, so the only thing one can do is keep prices down as low as possible.

Here's an idea: If every single vehicle in the state of Texas alone would be parked in a driveway, and not move again for one week, the amount of gas that would be "saved up" would be tremendous. Think. There are a few million people in Texas, not including kids, meaning, there are a few million motorists as well, which probably use a few million gallons of gas everyday. Now, we'll just use a number. Let's say that in Texas there is approx. 3 million gallons used in ONE day. Now, times that by 7, and you get what... 21.000.000 gallons used per week. Just think. $4.15 times 21.000.000 is $87,150,000. Now take that and apply it rationally to the whole country. It would probably hit 1 billion dollars. If one state can save $8.15 million dollars in one week, imagine what the whole country could do, in effect, allowing gas prices to drop. Just taking a guess, I would say, we could drop gas $1.50 if not more. Tell me what you think. Am I crazy? Or brilliant?