Sen. John Warner, R-Va. Suggests National Speed Limit

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Posted: 6:26 PM Jul 3, 2008 Sen. John Warner, R-Va. Suggests National Speed Limit Influential Republican senator, John Warner of Virginia, suggested on Thursday that Congress consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline.

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July 3, 2008

Influential Republican senator, John Warner of Virginia, suggested on Thursday that Congress consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline.

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

In 1974, Congress 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was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and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.

As motorists headed on trips for this Fourth of July weekend, gasoline averaged $4.10 a gallon nationwide with oil hovering around $145 a barrel.

Warner cited studies that showed the 55 mph speed limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day, or 2 percent of the country's highway fuel consumption, while avoiding up to 4,000 traffic deaths a year.

Warner asked the department to determine at what speeds vehicles would be most fuel efficient, how much fuel savings would be achieved, and whether it would be reasonable to assume there would be a reduction in prices at the pump if the speed limit were lowered.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Rusty Location: Shenandoah, VA on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:27 PM

Time for Mr. Elizabeth Taylor to step down from capitol hill and head to the retirement home. It must be senility that is causing this atrocious idea.

Posted by: Bev Location: California on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:06 PM

Finally someone is thinking of the now and the futiure for Americans. Lowering the speed limit will save hundreds of dollars in the cost of gas and lives as there will be less accidents caused by speed and reckless driving. Many Americans are out of control and only think of themselves. Thank you Senator John Warner for being so wise.

Posted by: Joe Location: Louisa on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:40 PM

You must be kidding. The 55 speed limit was a disaster for business and comsumers alike. It is just another way to boost revenue through tickets.3 This from a guy that gets his gas paid for by the taxpayers and probably gets his SUV lease paid for by us as well. Not to mention free postage, health care and a realy sweet pension plan. Why not do something useful like allow drilling, nukes and alternative power sources. Warner's been around too long. Say goodnight

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