Rep. Vagnozzi offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 404.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to enact legislation to set a national speed limit.

            Whereas, Demand for oil and consumption of gasoline is rising all over the world and in the United States. Oil for the transportation sector accounts for two of every three barrels of crude oil consumed in the United States. Gasoline alone amounts to half of this nation's oil consumption, and transportation causes almost half of greenhouse gas emissions; and

            Whereas, The steadily increasing demand for oil, in the face of supply that is virtually static, is raising the price of oil per barrel. Subsequently the price of a gallon of gas is skyrocketing and breaking the back of U.S. industry and consumers. Americans must reduce our consumption of gas to, in turn, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and alleviate some of the pressure at the pump; and

            Whereas, The marketplace is effectively spurring research and development into alternative energies and technology to reduce our oil consumption in the future. In the meantime, there is an immediate step that can be taken to bring some relief and provide additional benefits.

            Whereas, Setting a lower national speed limit would decrease gasoline consumption, reduce vehicle emissions, and reduce the incidence and severity of traffic accidents. For every mile per hour faster than 55 that a vehicle travels, fuel efficiency drops by about 1 percent. The drop-off increases at a greater rate above 65 miles per hour. Most cars on the road today reach optimum fuel efficiency at speeds between 45 and 55 miles per hour. Lowering the national speed limit to 55 miles per hour could cut vehicle emissions by 10 percent. There is ample evidence of the impact of such a national policy. The 55 miles per hour national speed limit, set in response to the 1973 oil crisis, was successfully implemented for 21 years from 1974 to 1995. It helped curb consumption of gas, lowered fatality rates, and increased highway safety; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to enact legislation to set a national speed limit; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.