Nebraska Passes Measure Raising Speed Limit to 70

The Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday approved a bill that would raise the speed limit to 70 m.p.h. on interstate highways through the state if a similar measure passes Congress.

The measure was adopted as an amendment to an appropriation bill after Sen. J. James Exon (D-Neb.) said he would introduce legislation to raise the speed limit nationwide.

The state measure’s sponsor, Sen. Ernest Chambers of Omaha, said motorists do not follow the 55 m.p.h. speed limit now and said his bill would enable the state to implement the higher speed limit quickly should Congress approve Exon’s proposal.

If Congress does not approve the legislation, Nebraska could repeal its law in the next legislative session, Chambers said.

An opponent, Sen. Don Wesely of Lincoln, warned that Nebraska could face federal sanctions and lose highway funds for raising its speed limit above 55.