A proposal to increase fines for speeding and decrease the speed limit on some Kansas highways is open for public comment.

In addition, two public hearings are now scheduled on the Kansas Energy Council’s draft recommendations.

The council produced 15 recommendations, many of which are aimed at reducing the emission of climate-changing gases, such as carbon dioxide.

One of those proposals would reduce the maximum speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph. Another proposal would increase fines for speeding by 50 percent. Any change would have to be approved by the Legislature and governor.

The hearings will be Sept. 19 at Fort Hays State University’s Robbin Center, and Sept. 30 at the Marcus Welcome Center at Wichita State University. Both meetings are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Public comment on the council’s recommendations may be submitted through Oct. 10. Written comments may be mailed to the Kansas Energy Council, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road or emailed to the KEC’s executive director Liz Brosius at l.brosius@kcc.ks.us.