MADRID (AFP) - Spain will lower its speed limit outside major cities as part of a string of measures unveiled by the government Tuesday aimed at slashing its oil imports by 10 percent per year.
"Every time we lift our feet off the accelerator, we are improving GDP and employment," Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian told parliament as he outlined the 31 measures. "The era of cheap energy has passed."
The speed limit will be reduced by 20 percent in line with rules already in place in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, where it is set at 80 kilometres (50 miles) an hour.
Greater use of energy-saving light bulbs, reduced lighting on roads and restrictions on the use of air-conditioning in summer and heating systems in winter in public buildings are among the other government measures.
The plan for 2008-14 has a budget of 245 million euros (385 million dollars) and the government hopes it will reduce annual oil consumption by 44 million barrels.
The government will distribute 49 million energy-saving light bulbs -- two for each household -- to encourage their use and will require all government vehicles to meet at least 20 percent of their energy needs through biofuels.
It will also launch a pilot project for the manufacture of one million electric or hybrid vehicles.
All public buildings except for hospitals will be required to set their thermostats no lower than 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in summer and no higher than 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) in winter.
Fossil fuels currently meet 84 percent of Spain's energy needs and the rising price of oil has led to inflationary pressures and caused the country's trade deficit to balloon.
:shock: :shock: :shock:
Wonder how long till Ireland follows suit
"Every time we lift our feet off the accelerator, we are improving GDP and employment," Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian told parliament as he outlined the 31 measures. "The era of cheap energy has passed."
The speed limit will be reduced by 20 percent in line with rules already in place in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, where it is set at 80 kilometres (50 miles) an hour.
Greater use of energy-saving light bulbs, reduced lighting on roads and restrictions on the use of air-conditioning in summer and heating systems in winter in public buildings are among the other government measures.
The plan for 2008-14 has a budget of 245 million euros (385 million dollars) and the government hopes it will reduce annual oil consumption by 44 million barrels.
The government will distribute 49 million energy-saving light bulbs -- two for each household -- to encourage their use and will require all government vehicles to meet at least 20 percent of their energy needs through biofuels.
It will also launch a pilot project for the manufacture of one million electric or hybrid vehicles.
All public buildings except for hospitals will be required to set their thermostats no lower than 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in summer and no higher than 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) in winter.
Fossil fuels currently meet 84 percent of Spain's energy needs and the rising price of oil has led to inflationary pressures and caused the country's trade deficit to balloon.
:shock: :shock: :shock:
Wonder how long till Ireland follows suit
