Friday, July 4, 2008

Return of a Bad Idea: National Speed Limit

An influential Republican senator suggested Thursday that Congress might want to consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline and possibly ease fuel prices.

Sen. John Warner, R-Virginia, asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to look into what speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current technology. He said he wants to know if the administration might support efforts in Congress to require a lower speed limit.

Congress in 1974 set a national 55 mph speed limit because of energy shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon.

read the CNN story

My thoughts: Yet another unnecessay government intrusion. If you want to drive at a mpg maximizing speed you are free to do so. Also remember it was a temporary "1 year measure" that ended up lasting 21 years.

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