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Let's see reducing to 55 mph, reduces highway through put by over 35%. So the average time on the highway that a car spends by at least 35% and possibley more. So it seems counter productive, but that's government

Its pushed by anti-auto zealots in the environmental movement, which permeate the EPA. Yes there is some emmissions reduction, but its just as much about making auto usage less convenient, on the theory that transit will then be more attractive. The dimwits fail to realize that 55mph is still faster than the 20-35mph average of buses and light-rail. But logic and coherence have never been their forte.

In addition, some cities and counties see this as a revenue enhancer, since many will simply just speed. For example, look at I-45 coming south out of Dallas. 60 mph within the city, yet it gets south of I-20 and drops to 55mph, even though it was just expanded to 6 lanes, there is rarely congestion since it was expanded, and almost zero suburbs south of I-20. No reason at all to lower the speed limit once you've left town. But there are always cops swarming that road writing tickets. And that's the reason.

"..more time on the highway..."

Not only more time but there will be a higher concentration of cars and a higher concentration of exhaust fumes.

The best thing Houston can do to clean up their air is to vote all the left-wing democrats out of office.