Senators Brownback and Salazar call for action:
“When he announced his commitment to renewable and alternative energy in his State of the Union address, President Bush joined many members of Congress who recognize the related economic and foreign policy concerns caused by our dependence on foreign oil.
Domestically, if America is to remain economically competitive, we must have access to reliable and inexpensive sources of fuel. Furthermore, rural America is facing many economic challenges caused by the rapidly changing global economy. On the international front, our dependence on oil imports from unstable regions of the world is a national security concern because it boxes in our foreign policy options.
“We have a plan supported by both Republican and Democratic senators that could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and provide a needed economic boost to America’s rural communities.
But first, consider where this issue is headed if we fail to take action: In the 1970s, our nation imported about one-third of our oil needs. Today we import 58 percent of the oil we need. By 2020, we will import 70 percent or more.
“Our plan, introduced in the Senate as the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act [...] would begin to address our nation’s addiction to oil by setting achievable goals. This bill would help the United States save 2.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2016 and 10 million barrels per day by 2031.”