Texans who brag they do things bigger and better are about to go faster too.

State transportation officials are expected to boost speed limits on two stretches of rural highway from 75 mph to 80.

It would be the highest posted speed limit in the country.

State officials say the roads can accommodate the higher speed, but safety and energy conservation advocates warn it will cost lives and hit drivers in the wallet as fuel prices increase.

Studies show the higher speeds will be safe in the areas they're proposed, Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson said.

The 80 mph limit would be confined to 10 mostly rural counties in West Texas. It includes a 432-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between El Paso and Kerrville, and 89 miles of Interstate 20 between Monahans and the I-10 interchange at the cusp of the Jeff Davis Mountains.