The Associated Press reported that Tennessee's transportation commissioner has approved lower interstate speed limits in Hamilton County
-- 55 mph for commercial trucks and 65 mph for cars -- to reduce air pollution.
New speed limit signs will go up on stretches of Interstates 24 and 75 and U.S. 27 where the speed limit now is 70 mph.
Commissioner Jerry Nicely said he was ``virtually certain' that Knox and Shelby counties would be changing to the same reduced speed limits. The new speed limits are aimed at federal ozone pollution standards to avoid restrictions on economic development.
Nicely said Nashville might be planning a similar request.
The move was opposed by the Tennessee Trucking Assn. and an independent truckers association based in Mississippi.