The United States imports more than 13 million barrels of oil each day, which means we consume one-quarter of the world's oil each year.

Our domestic reserves have shrunk to just 3 percent of the world supply, and by 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that America will import between 63 percent and 72 percent of our oil.

America's national security, economic interests, and environmental health demand that we make a radical break from our dependence on foreign oil.

Democratic legislators are working to seize the moment and dramatically modernize U.S. energy policy.

In Colorado legislators passed more than a dozen bills promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in 2007. The signature piece of legislation was House Bill (HB) 1281 which increased the state renewable-electricity mandate to 20 percent by 2020.

In Iowa, legislators made a $100 million investment in renewable energy with the creation of the Iowa Power Fund in 2007. The program now offers seed money for the aggressive research and development of renewable fuels.

Legislation like this creates more jobs, promotes a cleaner environment, and helps states build new kinds of industry. Democratic majorities are an essential part of helping the country tackle a global problem.