Area leaders are looking at the possibility of raising some area speed limits.
A new vehicle emission model called "MOVES2012" suggests there is a significantly lower environmental impact of higher vehicle speeds than previously thought.
In Sept., 2001, speed limits on roadways inside an area considered the "DFW Non-Attainment Area", an area encompassing most of Dallas-Fort Worth, were lowered in an effort to curb emissions.
Studies then showed higher speeds led to more emissions. The new model shows higher speeds have about the same amount of pollution as lower speeds.
In a presentation to the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council on Governments, representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation will propose increases on most outlying interstates, along with a section of Interstate 20 from Loop 820 on the west sides of Fort Worth to state Highway 360.
That stretch will go from 60 mph to 65 mph.
The plan still has to be approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quailty and Environmental Protection Agency.
