RICHMOND, Va. -- The House of Delegates and Senate today approved Gov. Bob McDonnell’s push to raise interstate speed limits from 65 to 70 mph in rural and less-populous areas.
Del. Charles W. Carrico Sr. sponsored the bill in the House. State Sen. Stephen D. Newman, R-Lynchburg, sponsored an identical measure in the Senate.
Each bill must still be voted on by the other chamber before being sent to McDonnell for his signature.
"As today’s votes in both chambers demonstrate, there is broad bipartisan support for this common-sense idea," McDonnell said, noting that 32 states already have 70 mph speed limits, and 13 allow motorists to drive 75 mph.
"This slight increase in our speed limit will be safe for motorists and help get Virginians to their destinations a little quicker each day," he said. "This is an important early step towards our common goal of improving transportation in the commonwealth."
McDonnell and others argue that boosting speed limits, particularly on stretches of rural interstates, will save motorists big bucks. That's because they'll be operating their cars with greater efficiency, proponents say.
However, some senators say the legislation sends the wrong message -- that encouraging motorists to drive even faster will only burn up more fuel at a time prices are climbing.
Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, defeated last year for governor, said the General Assembly shouldn't be ratcheting up speed limits when it continues to neglect a fix for Virginia highways. And Sen. W. Roscoe Reynolds, D-Henry, said drivers should be urged to go easy, if only to send a message to "big oil and big gasoline."
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