The United States has become far too reliant on foreign oil.  Today, we import nearly 60 percent of our oil from the Middle East and politically unstable nations such as Algeria, Nigeria and Venezuela.  If the United States continues its current consumption without increasing its domestic production, by 2010 we will have to import 75 percent of our fuel.

The United States must decrease its dependence on foreign oil by conserving energy and increasing domestic energy production, which can be done without compromising a clean environment.

By using resources efficiently today, we can ensure that reliable and affordable energy supplies will be available now and for future generations. Congress is working on a balanced package of production and conservation measures that will help America reduce its dependence on unstable foreign oil and meet our nation's energy needs well into the 21 st century.