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August 26, 2004
Life in the Slow Lane Redux
My prior essay on driving generated more interest than anything else I've written. I received wonderful feedback from friends and family pledging to slow down, sharing their own slow down stories and noting that new cars consume 80% of their total life span energy before they reach the sales lot.
Yesterday, I heard on the radio that the Oregon Department of Transportation is in the process of changing the speed limit on our state's interstate highways. My initial reaction is that higher speeds (75 for cars and 65 for trucks on certain sections) will create more pollution and cause more damage to the road ways as well as increase oil consumption.
From August 23-27, ODOT will hold public hearing in Grants Pass, Eugene, Portland, The Dalles, and La Grande. I plan on speaking in Grants Pass.
Who would like to organize with me on this issue? We have a few weeks to read the ODOT plans and studies, research our position and publicize. Since they will be deciding on Sept 30, this is a very finite activity (I know we are all busy with federal politics right now).
Let me know if you are interested and I'll add you to a new open discussion mail list specifically for this issue.
Posted by John at August 26, 2004 08:32 AM