As Americans, we make up about 6% of the worlds population. We use about 33% of the worlds energy. What is even more interesting is that most of this energy we use is oil that is from OTHER countries. This can give potential enemies enormous leverage over the U.S. This was demonstrated during the OPEC oil crisis in 1973. OPEC stands for Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries. This group of companies imposed an embargo on the exportation of oil to the United States. This was in retaliation to the U.S. for giving 2.5 billion dollars in arms to Israel in their conflict with Egypt. The price of oil skyrocketed from an average of 38.5 cents to 55.1 cents for a gallon. The U.S. took measures to stop the problem. They imposed a national speed limit of 55 miles an hour, (Which, incidentally, dropped traffic fatalities by 23% in 1973 and 1974.) We began searching for alternative energy sources and more fuel efficient cars. However after the embargo was lifted, things pretty much went back to the way they were before. Research stopped and today, car manufacturers continue to oppose legislation that would make cars more fuel efficient and help keep harmful emissions from the atmosphere.