Cut Oil Consumption

* Re “OPEC Cut Cited in Call to Boost U.S. Oil Output,” March 18: Instead of boosting U.S. oil output by drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham should consider diverting the North Slope oil that we’re now selling to Japan to the U.S. Has anyone considered this, or would it perhaps cause too great a disruption to oil companies’ profits?

An easy way to reduce oil consumption is to take a lesson from the time of the last oil shortage: Reduce the national speed limit to 55 mph. Everyone will scream, especially the truckers, but I find that when I cruise my Dodge Caravan at 75 mph on a flat freeway, I get around 15-17 mpg. When I drive at 55 mph my mileage goes up to 23-27 mpg. That’s about a 50% increase in mileage and a 33% decrease in gasoline usage. Another benefit would be a tremendous decrease in freeway accidents.

These changes could take effect in a very short time instead of having to wait years.

HOWARD NIEDERMAN

San Clemente