Berlin ? European Union member nations are considering energy-saving initiatives such as a push for energy-saving light bulbs, new taxes on air travel and higher rates for European and trans-Atlantic flights.

But a plan to put a speed limit on Germany’s famous no-limit autobahn drew angry responses Sunday in a country that cherishes what it calls “free driving for free citizens.”

The call by EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas came as the German government makes action against climate change a priority of its current presidencies of the EU and Group of Eight.

The growing concern over carbon dioxide emissions is putting the autobahn tradition under renewed scrutiny.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has brushed aside previous suggestions – most recently last month – that a general speed limit on the autobahn would help fight climate change.

The German Association of the Automotive Industry – which represents an industry that includes such famous names as Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and DaimlerChrysler – said Germany needed “no coaching” from Brussels on how to protect the climate.

“The German auto industry will act on climate change where there is real potential for savings” of vehicle emissions, the group said in a statement.

Germans, however, may be becoming receptive to the idea. Last month, a survey by the Forsa institute for Stern magazine found that 60 percent would favor autobahn speed limits to cut emissions, while 38 percent would oppose them.

“I think anyone with half a brain understands that we all have to change our habits in order to limit the greenhouse gases,” said Thorsten Einig, 36, a BMW owner who said he drives up to 125 mph on the autobahn.