Kansas Energy Council Discusses Lowering Speed Limit

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Reporter: Chris Frank
Email Address: chris.frank@kake.com

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A generation ago, the government responded to an energy crisis by lowering the speed limit. In crafting a state energy policy, the Kansas Energy Council recommends lowering it again.

This time, they are considering a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour instead of 55.

The panel listened to both opponents and supporters of the change.

"It seemed unbelievable that such an inane idea could seriously be considered again. Hadn't we learned from doing it years ago it was a bad idea?" said opponent Tony Cantanese.

The council is suggesting the idea based on a report from the Department of Energy that says there is a seven to 23 percent increase in fuel consumption with each five mile per hour increase over 60.

"I was able to increase my efficiency from 18 miles per gallon to 22 miles per gallon just by slowing down," said supporter Shanna Henry.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Brett Location: Peabody on Oct 4, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Lowering the speed limit really only saves money for people with 4cylinders, a v6 get optimum mileage at about 70 and most v8's get the best at about 80. I drive a 98 TransAm with a V8 and get better milage at 80 than a Focus does at 60.

Posted by: William Location: Rose Hill on Oct 2, 2008 at 05:42 AM
I'm certain that all postings in favor of reducing the limit are driving Prius'. I get over 40 mpg at 75 mph. Who's greener now?

Posted by: Shawn Location: Colo Springs on Oct 1, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I think they should leave it at 65mph. People like me do 70mph. Here in Colo Springs the speed limit is 65mph on I-25 and I go about 70mph. Therefore if the speed limit is 65mph then expect drivers to go about 75 or 80mph. Even if the speed limit drops to 55mph people will drive 65.

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:15 PM
so if going 65 instead of 70 increases gas consumption 30% for a decrease in speed of 7%, at what speed do I have to stop to drain gas out of my tank?

Posted by: Will Location: Wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I've started driving 55-60 and my gas consumption has dropped about 30%. Seeing as we are grownups here, there should be no problem setting the speed limit to 65. I'm for 55, because people would drive 65 anyway.

Posted by: ernest Location: wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:17 AM
It dosnt make since to increase the speed limit. For what reason should we increase the speed limit?

Posted by: jodi Location: kansas on Oct 1, 2008 at 10:01 AM
This is an a good time to be spending money on a negative budget. The money saved would be used up for for changing the signs at an already crisis budget. Thought we were asked to reduce the spending by 2% this year and 5% next year ? Also, time is money, so the additional time spend driving would NOT be a savings. This would be even less time to spend with family and friends. Those who live in western KS would really be hurt by this.

Posted by: Tim Location: Wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Let the people who wish to conserve fuel by slowing down slow down. Don't force the entire population to make the same choice. That's what the right lane is for! You want to slow down? FINE! Do it. And do it in the RIGHT LANE, for the love of God! If our state government really wants to conserve energy, they'd start buying nothing but hybrids for their own fleet. There's a move I'd support!

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 07:12 AM
even if 5 mph slower did lower fuel consumption a lot, where is the state going to make up the loss of gas tax revenue? 5 mph isnt enough to increase fuel economy enough to pay for the signs.

Posted by: Thinkabout it Location: Wichita on Oct 1, 2008 at 05:35 AM
I have seen less coverage about what the "savings" would be environmentally speaking versus people just wanting to slow other people down. I concur the fuel savings is drastically better since most cars are geared to give optimal economy at 55 mph, but the option to arrive quicker via the major highways makes greater sense for some people. Let a persons pocket book decide how much more it's worth in fuel economy versus speed and not try to force "green" down peoples throats. As far as the fines being raised, I'm fine with it if we don't lower the speed limits. Lower speed limits equals lower fine amounts as far as my logic is concerned

Posted by: David Location: Wichita on Sep 30, 2008 at 11:07 PM
All of following done on dyno.... Total distance traveled = 715 miles At 65 mph it would take you 11 hours = 660 min at 1300 rpm = 858000 total rpm over that distance. At 55 mph it would take you 13 hours = 780 min at 1200 rpm = 936000 total rpm over that distance. In short... you will use more gas in some instances by going slower.

Posted by: Tony Location: Wichita on Sep 30, 2008 at 09:21 PM
No... Bad energy department...

Posted by: Erik Location: Wichita on Sep 30, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Your story says they're considering a maximum speed 10 mph HIGHER than 55 mph. WHOOPSIE!

Posted by: go figure Location: Wichita on Sep 30, 2008 at 07:34 PM
This has been done before and the cost of replacing all those signs is out of this world. Leave it alone.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: el dorado on Sep 30, 2008 at 07:20 PM
If a person is in need of conserving their energy budget let them drive 55. I drive from el dorado to wichita everyday to work and am willing to pay the extra and drive 65.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 30, 2008 at 07:14 PM
There's already IDIOTS that can't drive the current speed limit, lowering it will just make it worse. People who drive 55 in a 60 are IMPEDING traffic flow.

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