Hostages R Us

A very reasonable policy during the last energy crunch was lowering the national speed limit to 55. During the present crunch, there have been any number of articles mentioning that lower speed policy and the gas that can be saved. I usually drive around 55 mph myself, when it isn't absolutely hazardous.

Senator Warner of VA, an unusually conscientious member of the GOP, has proposed to the Energy Department that this reasonable measure be instituted, after a study to conclude what is its benefit. The Energy Department has shot back that it won't be dealing with reasonable stuff, it has to get its national treasures' protections removed or will hold its collective breath until it turns blue. Blue would be an improvement and is very much desired.

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

Congress in 1974 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 The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon.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.
(snip)
Energy Department spokeswoman Angela Hill said the department will review Warner's letter but added, "If Congress is serious about addressing gasoline prices, they must take action on expanding domestic oil and natural gas production."

Not to be confused with the kind of leadership that serves its' country, Energy Department actions have been as usual a means for beating up on the citizen.

We are not going to get public servants in high office until January 21, 2009, and needn't look to this cabal for anything but abuse. That is more clearly enunciated every day by the worst administration ever.

200 days.