In The News

N.D. Gov: States, not feds, should set speed limits

BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. John Hoeven said he does not support the trucking industry’s appeal for a national 65 mph speed limit, saying states should be left with the authority to set their own top highway speeds.

“The traveling public can make those decisions about reducing their (speeds) if it’s a fuel savings issue,” Hoeven said.

North Dakota has a 75 mph speed limit on almost all of its interstate highways, and a 65 mph limit on most state two-lane highways. It is one of 13 states to have a 75 mph limit on rural stretches of interstate.

“We set that speed limit based on the quality of our roads, safety, and convenience to the traveling public,” Hoeven said. “I would favor the states doing it like we are now. I believe the states should set those limits.”

The American Trucking Association, an Arlington, Va.-based group that represents 37,000 companies, appealed to Congress last month to enact a nationwide speed limit of 65 mph for all vehicles, including passenger cars, to save fuel and cut emissions of greenhouse gases.

The North Dakota Motor Carriers Association supports the initiatives, said Tom Balzer, its managing director. “The time has come where there needs to be some lifestyle changes,” Balzer said.

Balzer said some trucking companies have cut back speeds to 62 mph to save fuel, but slower semis would create a safety hazard if other vehicles continue at faster speeds.

“From a safety perspective, asking the other drivers to reduce their speed would increase the safety aspect of it, because you don’t have that speed differential,” he said.

Hoeven said highway speed safety considerations were being continuously evaluated.

“I don’t favor reducing the speed limit at this point. I think that discussion is coming from (ideas on fuel savings),” Hoeven said. “I think people should use their discretion.”