Reducing the speed limit to 50 mph, say researchers, would create the tipping point where taking transit or modes other than driving will become more attractive and therefore save CO2 emissions.
Also, it turns out that driving slower reduces emissions.
From Wired: "The faster you go, the more fuel you burn because wind resistance increases exponentially. Lowering your speed by 5 mph when traveling at 35 to 45 mph will boost fuel economy as much as 10 percent (.pdf), according to a report the General Accounting Office prepared in 2008."
Treehugger takes the Wired article a step further, presenting six reasons why slowing down is beneficial. For one:
"It could save a lot of fuel. Some estimates indicate up to 5%; In 1983, by which time many people were ignoring it, it saved 2.5 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel, or 2.2% of the total fuel used. Oil was a horrible $ 20 per barrel. Wired notes that "The Department of Energy noted in 2008 that lowering the national speed limit to 55 mph would save 175,000 to 275,000 barrels of oil daily."
Read the full story: Slow Down and Spare the Planet
Honolulu lowers speed limits near schools — but doesn't change the signs
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San Diego Wants to Lower Speed Limits in School Zones, High-risk Corridors
New state laws allow cities to reduce speed limits in high-risk zones.
Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
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NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
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California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
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