When the original national speed limit came into effect in 1974 after the first Arab oil embargo, it was designed to cut back on gasoline usage. Even though the national limit was repealed in 1995, the old double nickel is a perennial topic and it reared its head again after the EPA announced yesterday that greenhouse gases are hurting us.
Writing in the Examiner, Mark Tapscott says that, "[The 55 mph limit is] virtually assured of making a return engagement in the very near future, thanks to a new ruling by the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)." You hear that? Virtually assured! Run for the hills! But, without a change in the law, the EPA can't set speed limits. These are left up to local governments, and just because the EPA now officially confirms that cars are dangerous to our health doesn't mean they get to make their own rules. The Auto Prophet wonders if the EPA could force manufacturers to set a top speed limit on vehicles, but doesn't it seem more likely that the government would look to fund technological alternatives to dirty engines than bring back one of the most unpopular laws ever? Just look at how drivers near Atlanta reacted to being forced to drive 55 mph, even though the highway was signed for that speed. They were decidedly not happy to be going that speed. Thanks to theautoprophet for the tip!
[Source: Examiner, The Auto Prophet]
Photo by StuSeeger. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.
Writing in the Examiner, Mark Tapscott says that, "[The 55 mph limit is] virtually assured of making a return engagement in the very near future, thanks to a new ruling by the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)." You hear that? Virtually assured! Run for the hills! But, without a change in the law, the EPA can't set speed limits. These are left up to local governments, and just because the EPA now officially confirms that cars are dangerous to our health doesn't mean they get to make their own rules. The Auto Prophet wonders if the EPA could force manufacturers to set a top speed limit on vehicles, but doesn't it seem more likely that the government would look to fund technological alternatives to dirty engines than bring back one of the most unpopular laws ever? Just look at how drivers near Atlanta reacted to being forced to drive 55 mph, even though the highway was signed for that speed. They were decidedly not happy to be going that speed. Thanks to theautoprophet for the tip!
[Source: Examiner, The Auto Prophet]
Photo by StuSeeger. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.
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