Congresswoman Jackie Speier

Speier:  Save Gas, Save Money, Slow Down

Congresswoman’s first bill sets national speed at 60 mph

Washington DC – Congresswoman Jackie Speier (San Francisco/San Mateo) today introduced her first bill, The Gasoline Savings and Speed Limit Reduction Act, which sets a national speed limit at 60 mph in urban areas.  The limit would increase to 65 on less-populated stretches of highway.

“Americans need relief from the rising cost of gasoline now,” Rep. Speier said.  “There is no need to wait for OPEC or the oil companies to help us out.  Every driver can affect change simply by easing up on their right foot.”

She cites figures from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, www.fueleconomy.gov, that say gas mileage decreases rapidly after 60 mph.  “If you drive a Ford Taurus or Toyota Camry, which averages 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the difference between driving 60 mph and 70 mph results in a yearly savings of over $250.  For pickup truck drivers, that increases to $470 and if you own a full-size SUV like a Toyota Landcruiser, we’re talking about a savings in excess of $750.”  These figures are based on national averages of 12,000 total miles per year, of which 45% are highway miles.

The EPA’s numbers show that fuel consumption rises dramatically at speeds faster than sixty miles per hour.  The website claims:  “While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph.  You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 30 cents per gallon for gas.”

An April 2008 article in the San Francisco Chronicle cited Patricia Monahan of the Union of Concerned Scientists:  “For every mile per hour over 60 mph, she said, fuel economy drops by an average of around 1 percent.”

The measure has already received backing from groups as diverse as The Union of Concerned Scientists and The American Trucking Associations.  Former Kansas Governor Bill Graves, President of the trucking group, said “The American Trucking Associations commend Congresswoman Speier for her initiative and leadership in introducing the Gasoline Savings and Speed Limit Reduction Act of 2008.  Lowering speeds of all vehicles on our highways will improve safety, conserve fuel and reduce emissions of pollutants and carbon dioxide.”  National environmental, safety and consumers groups have expressed interest and are currently reviewing the legislation.  

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