An editorial in the Minneapolis Star Tribune looks at a key factor behind this fall’s downward shift in fuel prices — the changing of Americans’ consumption habits.

Falling demand is sinking gas prices, but frugal consumers don’t see their mileage climbing back up anytime soon. (Washington Post — Steven Mufson)

The proliferation of heavily-trafficked highways that cut through tracts of wilderness across the United States has created huge problems for migratory wildlife. (New York Times – Jim Robbins)

A new study by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning shows that while total miles of car travel in the Chicago area has dropped by nearly five percent since last year, congestion in the region has managed to get worse. (Chicago Tribune — Jon Hilkevitch)

While gas prices are sliding down below three dollars across the country, many commuters may continue to save energy and find ways to get around that don’t involve driving a car. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune — Chao Xiong and Bill McAuliffe.)

A prominent industry tracking firm suggests that the car market could cave in next year due to economic insecurity and the credit crisis. (Reuters)

Reduced demand and the worldwide stock market dive have sunk gas prices, but many Americans are finding few good reasons to start logging more miles on the road. (Wall Street Journal — Ana Campoy)

Drivers in San Antonio are lining up at the pumps for $2.89-per-gallon gasoline, but after Americans drastically altered their transportation habits to cope with high gas prices over the summer, many people think we’re ready for some more permanent changes. (San Antonio News — Ken Rodriguez)

While the stock’s market plunge is sinking oil demand and in turn lowering gas prices, Americans desperate to cut more costs are feeling little relief. (Los Angeles Times — Ronald White)

It’s not too difficult to spot the connection between Americans’ worsening obesity problem and an overreliance on automobiles. (No Impact Man — Colin Beavan)