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That's not a third part synopsis, its a quote from the FAA AIM. I should have specified.
http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/AIM/Chap7/aim0705.html
And if you read CFR 91.117 you will find that the FAA does set speed limits.
I also think you're wrong in assuming the FAA has regulations to fill in the gaps of state legislation. Read CFR 91.1 on applicability.
As a pilot I can tell you that the FAA is very jealous of its authority. And they think that just about anything having to do with aircraft operations is their purview. If you try and regulate aircraft you lose federal funding.
http://www.environment-hawaii.org/593restricting.htm